bidding document igc · Executive summary The 33rd IGC welcomes participants to the “lands of ice and fire”. (top, Svalbard, bottom, Iceland) Nordic International Geological Congress

Nordic International Geological Congress in 2008

Earth Sciences and Sustainable Environment

Oslo 5-14 August 2008

Interim bidding document prepared by the Nordic countries

for the IGC steering committee

Florence, October 3-5th 2002

08OSLO


2

TABLE OF CONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Nordic Natural Science Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Nordic Earth Sciences Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6The Geology of the Nordic Realm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

THE CONGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Invitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Organisation and timing of the congress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Congress structure and scientific program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Symposia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11General Symposia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Special Symposia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Topical Symposia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Example of Symposia Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Arctic Environment, Resources and Global Climate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Physics of Geological Processes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13How Earth sustains life – Integrating Ecology, Biology and Geoscience . . . . . 14Medical Geosciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Earth processes in Space and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Onshore and Offshore virtual reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Educational opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FIELD TRIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Excursion 1: Isua, West Greenland – the oldest rocks on Planet Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Excursion 2: Ice core drilling site, Greenland Ice Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Excursion 3: The Skaergaard Layered Intrusion, East Greenland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Excursion 4: Jameson Land, East Greenland, as the petroleum geology analoguesExcursion 4 for the Norwegian continental shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Excursion 5: Tectonics and active rift-volcanism in South and Southwest Iceland. . . . 21

Excursion 6: Subglacial volcanic activity in Southwest and West Iceland, Excursion 6: terrestrial processes as an excursion to Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Excursion 7: A diverging plate boundary. One-day excursion to the Excursion 7: Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Excursion 8: The Tertiary formation of Iceland-plateau basalts and Excursion 6:central volcanoes, with Krafla as a modern analogue.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Excursion 9: Weichselian interstadials and Late Weichselian deglaciation, Excursion 6: and relative sea-level changes in South-west Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Excursion 10: Faeroe Islands – Late Palaeocene/Eocene continent Excursion 10: splitting volcanism and sedimentatio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Excursion 11: The Caledonian infra-structure and evolution in Southern Norway. . . . 25

Excursion 12: The Cretaceous and Tertiary geology of Southern Sweden Excursion 12: and Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Excursion 13: Early Palaeozoic faunal and lithofacies developments in Excursion 13: Southern Scandinavia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Excursion 14: Baltic Sea marine geology – a sea-going mini symposium . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Excursion 15: Impact structures in Scandinavia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Excursion 16: Geology and radioactive waste disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Excursion 17: Glacial and postglacial landforms, stratigraphy and history Excursion 17: of Central Sweden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Excursion 18: The Bergslagen metallogenetic zone, Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Excursion 19: Metallogenesis in Finland and Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Excursion 20: Archean-Proterozoic overview in Fennoscandia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Excursion 21: Carbonatites and Alkaline rocks of the Fennoscandian Shield. . . . . . . . 32

Excursion 22 : Title: Postglacial overview of Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Excursion 23: Glacial and post-glacial landforms, Excursion 23: stratigraphy and history of the fjord areas of Troms, Arctic Norway . . . 33

Excursion 24: Terrestrial and marine Quaternary stratigraphy of Spitsbergen, Excursion 24: high Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Excursion 25: The post-Caledonian depositional succession of Svalbard . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Preliminary list of additional field trips under consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Excursion booklet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Geoexpo exhibition at the 32rd IGC in Florence 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37


3


4

Geohost program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Accommodation and facilities at the Oslo Congress Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Oslo, the host city. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Tourist information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Social functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Innvitation for hosting the 33rd IGC in 2008 presented at the 31st IGC in Rio de Janeiro 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Support by governmental, national,regional and local authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Support by national earth sciences institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Norway Congress Centre (Brochure). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

The 33rd International GeologicalCongress is invited to Oslo 5 – 14August 2008. In the spirit of the tra-ditional Nordic interstate co-opera-tion, Oslo will be an efficient gatewayto the Nordic countries in all theiraspects.

The Nordic countries covers morethan a quarter of the Globe north of60º N, spans the climates of the highArctic and the European lowlands,and includes parts of two continentsand two oceans. Geologically, theregion ranges from Isua to Surtsey,i.e from the oldest to the youngestrocks on Earth, including Pre-cambri-an shields, Palaeozoic orogens,Mesozoic rift systems, Tertiary sea-floor spreading, and Quaternary torecent glaciations and hot spot volcan-ism.

This is the geological setting of along history of exploitation of naturalresources, including mining for metalores, minerals and coal, explorationand production of oil and gas, and theextraction of hydroelectric and geot-hermal energy.

This will be reflected in the con-gress program and field trips. With aproud tradition of well-known scien-tists and famous Arctic explorers, theNordic countries are still a stronghold forthe Earth sciences. Today, Nordic Earthsciences are moving into new multidiscipli-nary fields of research combining geo-sciences with other branches of science, e.g.medicine, biology, physics, meteorologyand ecology. These new fields of researchwill be the basis for plenary sessions andspecial and topical symposia giving thecongress an avant-garde scientific profile.

The scientific program of the congresswill be presented as a combination of ple-nary sessions and three kinds of symposia:

general, special and topical. Field trips willbe arranged as comprehensive pre- andpost-congress excursions, as well as shortsyn-congress excursions to nearby locali-ties. A set of workshops and short courseswill be arranged pre- and post-congress. AGeohost programme will permit the atten-dance of young scientists. The social pro-gramme will allow both spouses and otheraccompanying persons to visit Oslo and theNordic countries. As a venue, Oslo offersspacious, modern and easily accessible con-gress facilities and accommodation fromyouth Hostels to First Class Hotels.


5

Executive summary

The 33rd IGC welcomes participants to the “lands of ice and fire”.(top, Svalbard, bottom, Iceland)


6

The 33rd IGC in Oslo (2008) will constitutean ideal link from the 21st IGC inCopenhagen (1960) returning to the Nordiccountries after nearly a half century, and280 million years since the initial rifting ofthe Oslo Graben. The 33rd IGC will coin-cide with the 150 years celebration of thefoundation of the Geological Survey ofNorway and Sweden.

The congress in Copenhagen in 1960, near-ly 50 years ago, were the first time severalcountries had joined efforts in holding ageological congress. This congress alsogave the incentive for formalising the cre-ation of the International Union ofGeological Sciences and initiated the closeco-operation between these two organisa-tions thereafter. Oslo hosted the winterOlympic games in 1952 and again inLillehammer in 1994. The city of Oslo asindicated by the invitation letter enclosedfrom the mayor is well prepared to host the33rd IGC in 2008 on behalf of the Nordiccountries.

Nordic Natural Science LegacyThe Congress will beinspired by the pioneer-ing achievements ofNordic explorers fromthe Viking area throughmodern times. In the early days theexploration was a matterof navigation and discov-ering new land around

the North Atlantic and in the Arctic.Among the most celebrated are theIcelandic Eirik the Red who first discover-ed Greenland, and his son, Leiv Eiriksson,who first discovered America. In more recent centuries systematic scien-tific observations of nature and data acqui-sition became an increasingly importantpart of the many daring expeditions into

the Arctic. In this respect one may mentionNordic explorers like Vitus JonassenBering, Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, FridtjofNansen, and Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Butthere are many more, both of their contem-poraries and their successors, that mighthave been equally mentioned. Common tomany of the expeditions and the explorersthemselves, were the impressing multi-dis-ciplinary skills and aims of their scientificresearch, ranging from geology, zoology,marine biology and oceanography toarchaeology, anthropology and history. Fridtjof Nansen’s Fram Expeditionthrough the Arctic Ocean from 1893 to1896 is an excellent example of this tradi-tion, besides being among the greatestexploration adventure of all time. And withOslo being the venue for the 33rd IGC, aspecial excursion to the Fram Museum,with emphasis upon Arctic geoscience, willbe arranged during the congress.

Nordic Earth Sciences TodayThe 20th Century was in many ways thetime when natural science disintegratedinto specialist’s disciplines. Today, thereseems to be a growing awareness that sci-ence at present again advances throughmultidisciplinary research. Integration ofmarine research, geology and geophysics inthe Norwegian/Greenlan Sea by academiain the 1970ies was crucial for the furtherstudy and understanding of how a conti-nental margin initiates and evolves. The same trend is clearly seen in theapplied science in the industry, e.g. the off-shore petroleum industry. Academia isnow moving ahead into fields of researchintegrating the classical earth scienceswith biology and medicine. At the sametime, there is a growing awareness that theArctic environment offers special opportu-nities for the new fields of research. The recent establishment of the new

Fritjof Nansen

Introduction

Centres of Excellence for scientificresearch in Norway shows that even policymakers now have recognised the necessityof a holistic approach in the natural sci-ences. The four Centres of Excellence forearth sciences are intentionally based onmultidisciplinary integration, having de-

fined fields of research combining geologywith geophysics, mathematics, physics,geotechnology, microbiology, chemistry,oceanography and meteorology. This rene-wed trend for multidisciplinary researchwill be the themes for special congresssymposia, e.g. medical geoscience, the


7

Geological Map of the Nordic countries and adjacent offshore areas


8

Arctic and global climate, geology andmarine biology, and geological hazards.

The Nordic countries in general have ahigher number of earth scientists per capi-ta than in USA and European Union, withIceland in the unbeatable lead with 1 per1000. Furthermore, the Earth sciences ingeneral have a prominent position in theoverall publication profile in the Nordiccountries, and the published research is

internationally recognized as being of highquality.This reflects the economic dependency ontheir natural resources and the long histo-ry of exploring and exploiting theseresources. In this respect, the classicalfields of earth science still have a strong-hold in the Nordic countries, and will bethe subject of congress symposia and fieldtrips.

The Geology of the Nordic RealmThe five Nordic countries reach fromGreenland and the Svalbard archipelago inthe high Arctic to southern Denmark of theCentral European Plains. The regionincludes parts of two continents, theEurasian and the North American, and theintermediate ocean, the Norwegian-Greenland Sea of the Northern Atlantic.

In plate tectonic terms, the region isshared between two lithospheric platesseparated by the Mid-Atlantic SpreadingRidge. One of the countries, Iceland, strad-dles the actual plate boundary and is theonly known example of a surface exposureof a modern ocean ridge system, and there-fore represents a unique study area for allphenomena associated with ocean spread-ing and active volcanism.

In crustal terms, the Nordic Region spansfrom the oldest to the youngest rocks of theWorld, i.e. from the Archean continentalcrust in parts of the Baltic and CanadianShields to the recent oceanic crust in partsof Iceland. The 3800 Ma Isua supracrustalsequence of the Isukasia area of southwestGreenland is the most extensive occur-rence of early Archean supra-crustal rocksknown on earth and constitutes the oldestpart of the Precambrian basement. TheShield areas in general reveal an outstand-ing record of early Earth plate tectonicactivity by the abundant occurrences ofArchean and Proterozoic mobile belts andorogens containing greenstone belts, ophio-lites, and island arc sequences. Similar remnants of an ancient ocean, theIapetus Ocean, are also very well displayedin the Silurian Caledonian Orogen thatoverprints the Eocambrian ancient shelfand the underlying Precambrian Shield.The Caledonian Orogen was later splitalong its axis through a 300 Ma long peri-od of rifting that left behind some of theworld’s largest extensional detachmentstructures and finally leading to theTertiary to present oceanic crust formationby sea floor spreading between Fenno-

scandia and Greenland. Thus, the geologyof the Nordic countries, from the Archeanto the present, brilliantly demonstrates thenever-ending plate tectonic cycles of conti-nental break-up, sea floor spreading, andcontinental collision, relentlessly buildingand forming new continental crust. Thiscomplex continental crust today presentsitself as the host rocks of the banded ironformations, oxides, and sulfides constitut-ing the classical metal ore deposits of theNordic region.

The ancient shelf sequences of the vastcontinental margins around the IapetusOcean comprise, inter alia, the classicallocality of the first Eocambrian tillites everto be described. By chance, the presentmainland and continental shelves ofDenmark, Fennoscandia and Greenlandcomprise the modern versions of morainesand other glacial deposits, among them theclassical localities of Professor Esmark’spioneer work on the glaciations ofScandinavia in 1824. The present continental shelves of theNordic countries are part of one of the mostimportant hydrocarbon provinces of theworld. The post Caledonian rocks similarto those of the hydrocarbon habitat of thecontinental shelf may be viewed onshore inDenmark, East Greenland and in thearchipelago of Svalbard in the high Arctic.Although the main source rocks for thepetroleum deposits are of Late Jurassicage, the formerly widespread Cambrianblack “Alun” shales of the ancient shelf ofthe Iapetus is still a viable source rock inthe Baltic Sea. Excellent exposures of theseAlun shales and an almost complete strati-graphic section from the Lower Cambrianto the Upper Silurian are found in the Cityof Oslo itself. These early Palaeozoic rocksare well preserved within the famous OsloRift, and locally show excellent examples ofcontact metamorphism related to Permianintrusive activity.


9


10

InvitationA formal invitation was submitted by theNorwegian National Committee for IUGSto the Secretary General of the 31st IGC inRio on July 28, 2002 (see details in theenclosure section).

Organisation and Timing of the CongressAt a meeting of the Norwegian NationalCommittee for IUGS in November 2001,the decision was made to appoint a NordicBidding Committee for the 33 rd IGC inOslo 2008 with Professor Ivar B. Ramberg

as Chairman of the Committee, as execu-tive members:

- Director General of the GeologicalSurvey of Norway Arne Bjørlykke- President of the Norwegian GeologicalSociety Harald Brekke- Chairman of the IUGS NationalCommittee Professor Richard Sinding-Larsenin addition to the following Nordic mem-bers:- Associate Professor Karin Eriksson,Sweden

The congress

- Associate Professor Henning Haack,Denmark- Director of the Institute of NaturalHistory Sveinn P. Jakobsson- Iceland, Professor Reijo Salminen,Finland and Professor Tore O. Vorren,Norway.

A committee for finance and authority con-tacts has been set up and contacts arebeing made for sponsors support for thebidding process.

The month of August has been selected asthe best period of the year to organise the33rd IGC. Firstly, because August is a uni-versity vacation period making it possibleto obtain better rates from hotels and per-mits the use of student residences forcheap accommodation. Secondly, the cli-mate in Oslo is at its best in August andsurprisingly mild for its latitude. Thesesummer temperatures are perfect forexploring the parks and hiking paths orrelaxing on the beaches of the fjord.Thirdly, August also represents thewarmest month in the arctic areas withminimal amounts of snow and ice perfectlysuited for geological field trips.

Congress Structure and Scientific ProgramThe scientific program of the congress willbe presented as a combination of plenarysessions and three kinds of symposia: gen-eral, special and topical. Field trips will bearranged as comprehensive pre- and post-congress excursions, as well as short syn-congress excursions to nearby localities. Aset of workshops and short courses will bearranged pre- and post-congress.

SymposiaSome special and General Symposia aredescribed below. The list and the titles ofthe Symposia below are provisional. OtherSpecial or General Symposia will be includ-ed. The General symposia will in additionto the themes listed be open to topics pro-posed by the IUGS Commissions and otherscientific bodies.The congress website will if our bid is suc-cessful in 2004 shortly after include thecomplete list of Symposia, proposed up tothat date, and the name of suggested con-venors. The provisional home page of the33rd IGC is already established(http://www.ngu.no/IGC2008).

General SymposiaPrecambrian basement and Shield areasCaledonian mountain building processes,Mountain collapse and basin evolution,Crust –mantle interactionsVolcanism and seafloor spreading,Archean-Proterozoic Transition: Differences and Similarities in CrustalEvolutionDevelopment of Postglacial SurfaceDepositsOffshore resources and marine geology,Arctic and Polar Regions,

Special SymposiaModels for subsurface fluid flow and sedi-ment/rock interactions,Geohazards and engineering geologyEnvironmental tectonicsGeological resources for the 21 CenturyIndustrial minerals and Ore geologyResources and EnvironmentSedimentary basinsExploration in Glaciated TerrainNeotectonics, surface processes and conti-nental topographyRegional Geochemical Mapping and GlobalBaselinesDeglaciation Chronology in the NorthernHemisphereGeological processes in planetary science


11


12

Classical earth science in climate and geo-hazards researchPhysical processes in geology

Topical SymposiaEnvironmental evolution in the last 100000 yearsPolar geology in an environmental context

Climatic changes from Arctic recordsGeotope-Biotope interactionsGeology and marine biologyUrban Geochemistry Nuclear WasteDisposal - a Challenge to Geology SoilScience and Geology - Where do They MeetMedical Geology.

Examples of Symposia ThemesThe following themes represent a selectionof research topics which will be highlightedduring the congress. Emerging and estab-lished centres of excellence in the Nordiccountries will be encouraged to use the33rd IGC to present their results.

Arctic Environment, Resources and GlobalClimate

The natural history of the ocean basins hasonly been well-understood in the decadesafter the 21st IGC in Copenhagen in 1960.At that time new results from oceandrilling were being put together with thethen-new science of marine geophysics andthe geologic study of ophiolites which

resulted in a completely new framework forthe understanding of how the ocean floor isformed. The concept of sea floor spreadingprovided a plausible mechanism to explainhow continental drift was possible. Thisscientific framework, plate tectonics,became and remains today the guiding par-adigm for the understanding of mostaspects of the evolution of the earth’s crustand mantle.

The Arctic Basin has as shown in the figureabove evolved through time. Subsidence,uplift, and sea floor spreading haveexpanded the basin since the mid-Mesozoicand regulated oceanic circulation patterns.Geological and geophysical studies of theArctic Basin during the four last decades

Reconstruction of the configuration 118 million years ago.

Present configuration of the Arctic Ocean.Topography is shown in meters.

has greatly improved our understanding ofits tectonic evolution, which is crucial tounderstanding much of the arctic history.

As a complement to the tectonic evolutionthe sedimentary record in the Arctic Oceanholds the story of past climates.Understanding that story will give us per-spective on changes occurring now in theArctic and in the global climate system.This will be emphasised through a specialsymposium led by the new centre of excel-lence in climatic change established inBergen.

Evidence of glacial erosion and icebergscouring is found on the shelves and onshallow mid-ocean plateau’s and ridges.These glacigenic bedforms provide crucialinformation on Pleistocene glaciations inthe Arctic and related paleoclimatic chan-ges. The arctic continental shelves alsosequester methane hydrates. There is evi-dence that massive slides have occurredalong the shelf breaks. It is likely thatthese slides released methane gas to theatmosphere, where it would affect the long-wave radiation balance.

Understanding the tectonic history of theArctic Basin will place paleoclimate stud-ies in context, constraining the timing ofthe various fluid fluxes that are an essen-tial control on ocean circulation in thenorthern hemisphere.

Understanding the sedimentological evolu-tion of the Arctic basins will lead to a bet-ter assessment of their hydrocarbon poten-tial. In view of the increasing importance ofnatural gas which, outside the MiddleEast, is predominantly found in the Arcticbasins, a better geological understandingof these areas will be vital for resourcemanagement at a global scale.

Physics of Geological ProcessesThis emerging field of science will greatlyexpand during the next five years. TheNordic venue in 2008 will therefore be asuitable forum for the presentation of ourunderstanding of the physics of geologicalprocesses. The 33rd IGC will emphasisecross disciplinary projects representing theintersection of geology and the physics ofcomplex irreversible processes such asdeformation, transport, growth-dissolu-tion, and tectonics. These processes will beexposed at the congress using new methodsrecently developed in physics to bridge thegap between field oriented studies andexperiments, computer modelling and the-ory. The example below illustrates howrocks are memory banks able to conservethe results of past processes.


13

Patterns to processes: Cross-bedding in 380 million years olddesert sand from East Greenland, reflecting the dynamics of wind-blown granular media, the fluid flow that cause the colour varia-tion, and the movements of the continents.


14

How Earth Sustains Life – Integrating Ecology,Biology and Geoscience

Linking Ecological Biology and Geosciencein the Arctic:Basic environmental science will increas-ingly depend on collaborations betweenbiologists and geoscientists. The 33rd IGCwill provide an opportunity to enhance andsustain research across the interface of eco-logical biology and geological earth sci-ences with special emphasis upon the arc-tic.

The disciplinary basis of environmentalscience is in the process of reformulation. Itis increasingly clear that answers to manyof the most vexing questions about howhumans are influenced by our naturalenvironment depend on processes and phe-nomena that span biological and geologicalsciences. Biotic diversity and complexitydepend intimately on processes in thephysicochemical environment. Conversely,fundamental physicochemical phenomenasuch as weathering, climate, and the devel-opment of soil fertility rely closely on geo-logical and biological processes. Thismeans that complex problems such as cli-mate change, acid rain, eutrophication,and biodiversity loss are inherently inter-disciplinary — that is, shaped by multiplefeed backs between biological and geo-chemical processes. Our understanding ofbasic environmental science has thereforearrived at a new intellectual frontier: anatural convergence of the historically dis-tinct disciplines of biology and physical sci-ence.

This disciplinary convergence will over thenext several decades transform our under-standing of basic processes that control thestability and sustainability of natural envi-ronmental systems. The arctic environ-ment is specially suited to study theseinterfaces and the Nordic countries repre-sents an ideal venue for promoting suchstudies. The ensuing findings will haveextraordinary implications for our abilities

to predict and manage how humans impactthe health of ecosystems across local,regional, and global scales. Such knowl-edge is a critical component of a safe, sus-tainable, and prosperous future and the33rd IGC will be a timely venue to discussthese issues.

Links between biology and geoscience arenot new; historical examples include semi-nal ideas by Svante Arrhenius on carbondioxide and global climate , VladimirVernandsky on global biogeochemicalcycles. What is new, however, is that bothbiology and geoscience have now developedto a point where convergence is broadlyavailable, and where the potential forinterdisciplinary synergism is unprece-dented and critical for resolving key envi-ronmental problems. Recent progress ofconcepts, methods (e.g., genomics, molecu-lar biology, and isotopes), observationaltools (e.g., satellites), databases (e.g., geol-ogy, soils, vegetation, and land-usechange), and computational abilities havevirtually revolutionised scientific readinessand opportunities at this interface.

The term “biogeosciences” refers broadly toresearch that links biological, geophysical,and geochemical approaches to understandthe earth system. These approachesinclude biogeochemistry (fluxes of matterand energy), biophysics (interactions of cli-matic, earth-system, and physiologicalprocesses), as well as geomedicine and

Aurora borealis in the arctic.


15

hydrology (interactions of geology, livingspecies, landforms, and water).Biogeosciences is a new discipline, basedon technologies and concepts that enablethe study of earth-system processes andmechanisms across a continuum of spatialand temporal scales — from microbes toglobal environments, and from physiologi-cal responses to the geologic record. Just asthe development of molecular techniqueshas powered an explosion of basic biologi-cal knowledge, the development of newsatellite sensors, computer models, andglobal informatics resources are fuelling aparallel explosion for understanding howearth system processes scale from local toglobal and how they interact with livingspecies. Building on basic knowledge aboutunderlying mechanisms, biogeosciencesthus examines basic aspects of the functionof the earth system.

Despite these opportunities, however,there exist barriers to developing and sus-taining integrated research and trainingacross the biology-geoscience interface. Wewill at the 33rd IGC convene a special col-loquia to discuss opportunities for, andobstacles to, developing sustained, broadlyinclusive, and effective research collabora-tions among ecological biologists and geo-scientists. This colloquium will address theemerging field of “biogeosciences”, identifybarriers to further growth, and examinedopportunities for developing initiatives toaddress intellectually broad questions thatare central to understanding the interplaybetween living species and the earth sys-tem.

The 33rd IGC has identified two core areasfor special symposia that presently are ofparticular importance to progress on bothbasic and applied issues:

Medical GeosciencesGeomedicine in the perspective of co-devel-opment of biota, soils, atmosphere, and cli-

mate in relation to the geological substra-tum. This area focuses on how to improveour understanding of the tremendousstructural and functional diversity thatcharacterises land- and ocean-basedecosystems. How do functional differencesacross ecosystems emerge from the multi-tude of interactions between biological,geochemical, and physical processes?Knowledge of mechanisms that controlgeographic variations is central to thedevelopment of dynamic and unified mod-els. For example, dramatic geographicvariations in medical conditions of humansare fundamentally important, and theunderlying mechanisms depend on poorlyunderstood feed backs between life metab-olism relative to, soils, climate, and geolog-ical substrates.

Earth Processes in Space and TimeIntegration of critical earth systemprocesses across broad spatial and tempo-ral scales. It is urgent that we understandhow key processes are coupled across spa-tial and temporal scales within the earthsystem. While local-scale and short-termprocesses dominate the proximateturnover of carbon and other nutrients inlocal environments, many essential ecosys-tem-level properties develop over muchlarger spatial extents and over periods ofdecades, millennia, or longer. For example,while emissions of the greenhouse gasmethane is controlled at scales of microbeswithin anaerobic environments, the effectsof methane on climate become apparent atglobal scales, and the dynamic coupling ofmethane and climate emerges only withinmillennial-scale atmospheric records suchas those from the Greenland ice cores.

Onshore and Offshore Virtual RealityOne of the missions of the 33 IGC is todemonstrate a 3D Virtual Reality geologymodel of the Svalbard archipelago. Thegeology of Svalbard is recognised as one of


16

the best terrain’s in the world to learnabout depositional settings that containsome of the worlds largest reservoirs of oiland gas.

Increasingly, oil and gas companies areturning to integration through GIS sys-tems. The 33rd IGC will take this concepta step further by integrating GIS data in a3D Virtual Reality (VR) environment.

Educational OpportunitiesBy its nature, the organisation of the 33rdIGC requires an interdisciplinary perspec-tive that is perhaps unmatched, and thatwill be embraced by leading academicinstitutions across the Nordic countries.This represents both a challenge and an

opportunity from an educational stand-point. The challenge is to use the 33rd IGCto provide a strong foundation in science toundergraduate and graduate students, incombination with a broad perspectiveacross a range of sciences. The opportunityis to bring new students into science atboth undergraduate and graduate levels asis already seen in the growth of environ-mental science programs around the world.These issues of education are central totraining the next generation of leaders inthe earth sciences and to educating stu-dents in critical environmental issues. TheNordic research councils and other fundingagencies have the opportunity to influenceand lead the development of novel interdis-ciplinary earth science and environmentalscience curricula at academic institutions.

The North Sea will be presented as an international laboratory using Caves / Visionaria. The impact of Virtual Reality technology on Earthscience concepts will be highlighted.


17

A selection of field trip highlights are pre-sented below succeeded by a list of addi-tional excursion themes identified so far.

The work on the field trips is in progressand will go on until the date for the finalannouncement of the congress program.

3

1

4

58

2425

19

23

12 13

1418

16

17

11 1522

2120

697

2

10

Field trips

Map of the Nordic region showing the location of proposed excursions.


18

The excursion will focus on the lithos-tratigraphy and interpretation of theWorld’s oldest known rocks.- The excursion will include:- The banded iron formation

- The Amitsoq Gneisses- The oldest known pillow lavas- The 3800 Ma marine carbonaceousmetasediments and the recent theories ontheir origin.

Excursion 1: Isua, West Greenland – the oldest rocks on Planet Earth

Isua is located on the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet on the west coast of Greenland

3.8 Gy old ocean sediments Thin section prepared from 3.8 Gy old ocean sediments from Isua.Black dos are graphite composed of isotopically light Carbon –proposed remains from algae in a very early ocean.

A one day visit to the 2008 drilling sitewhere ice cores are recovered for glaciolog-ical, climatic and environmental studies.Planned as an add-on to other excursions.


19

Excursion2: Ice-core drilling site, Greenland Ice Sheet

Preliminary drilling site on the Greenland Ice Sheet Fresh ice core. DY3, Southern Greenland 1981.

The Skaergaard intrusion, a world-classgeological locality, is a beautifully layeredTertiary gabbroic body, splendidly exposedon the east coast of Greenland just north ofthe Arctic Circle. It is roughly oval-shapedin plan, measuring 10 km north to southand 7.5 km east to west. The terrain isalpine, rising to 1300 m, although it is dis-sected by a narrow sound, and much can beseen close to tidewater.

The climate is maritime arctic, whichmeans that extreme temperatures are notto be expected and rainy days may occur atthe time of the excursion, although bril-liantly sunny days are also common. Theintrusion scarcely needs description as itforms part of most undergraduate coursesin igneous petrology and has one of thelargest literatures of any single geologicallocality.

The excursion willpermit the study of:- extreme composi-tional differentia-tion and spectacu-lar structures- one of the world’slargest igneousprovinces (recentlyestimated to com-prise 10 x 106 km3 ofmagma)- a spectacularcoastal dike swarm.

Excursion 3: The Skaergaard Layered Intrusion, East Greenland

Rhythmic layers interspersedwith average gabbro,Skaergaard Base Area


20

The excursion will focus on the stratigra-phy and lithofacies of the late Triassic andJurassic sedimentary sequence in JamesonLand.

The excursion will include:- Profiles by foot in hillside outcropsthrough the Triassic and Jurassic stratig-raphy- Helicopter visit to the fault block uncon-

formity between the Late Palaeozoic basalsedimentary deposits and the Precambrianbasement of Liverpool LandHelicopter visit to sites of Palaeocenedolerite sills in Jameson Land reservoirand source rock analogues- On-site comparison of sequence strati-grapy and lithofacies with the Triassic andJurassic of the Norwegian continentalshelf area – similarities and differences.

Outcrop of shallow marine sandstones in the uppermost Triassic of Harrisfjeld, Jameson Land.

Excursion 4: Jameson Land, East Greenland - petroleum geology analogues for the Norwegiancontinental shelf


21

Excursion 5: Tectonics and active rift-volcanism in South and Southwest Iceland

Iceland is in the process of an active rift-jump, and the different volcano-tectonicregimes will be investigated. The excursionwill focus on tectonic fissures, active riftvolcanism, subglacial volcanism, andactive central volcanoes with their geother-mal activity and distinctive petrology.Some of these geological and volcanologicalevents are dated with tephrocronology.

The excursion will include the study of:- Tectonics and volcanism of the active riftzones of Reykjanes, Thingvellir and theEldgjá-Laki area- Geothermal activity and its utilization atReykjanes, Geysir and Landmannalaugar- Pleistocene subglacial hyaloclastite

ridges and table mountains in the areasouth of Langjökull- The eruptive products of the central vol-canoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull andTorfajökull- The sandur outwash plains ofMyrdalssandur and Skeidarársandur.

The Hekla volcano, South Iceland


22

The excursion will focus on the subglacialhyaloclastite ridges and table mountains ofIceland, which appear to have very fewcounterparts except perhaps on the planetMars.

The excursion will permit the study of:- The main lithofacies of the young ridgesand table mountains as well as the palago-nitization of the hyaloclastites in theJarlhettur and Hlödufell formations- The eroded hyaloclastite ridges and tablemountains of Kálfstindar and theLaugarvatn region- The polygenetic hyaloclastite and pillowlava ridges of Sveifluháls and Undirhlidar- The Holocene fissure lavas in theReykjanes Peninsula, as parallels to sub-glacial hyaloclastite ridges- Holocene lava shields in theSkjaldbreidur and Kjölur areas, as coun-terparts to the subglacial table mountains.

Reykjanes, young volcanic craters and a row of craters. Grindavikvillage in the background.

Excursion 6: Subglacial volcanic activity in Southwest and West Iceland,terrestrial processes as an excursion to Mars

A journey to the subaerial extension of thesubmarine Reykjanes Ridge. Tectonic, vol-

canic, geochemical and geothermal process-es at a spreading center.

The excursion will include the study of:- The diverging plate boundary on theReykjanes Peninsula and Thingvellir withits active extensional rift volcanism- High-temperature geothermal activity atvarious sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula- The active South-Iceland transform faultsouth of Hestfjall- The Pleistocene subglacial volcanic land-forms at Sveifluháls and Hengill, as com-pared to the Holocene volcanic products inthe Reykjanes Peninsula

Excursion 7: A diverging plate boundary.One-day excursion to the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland

The geothermal area in Krisuvik, SW Iceland.

Excursion covering Northeast, East andSoutheast Iceland, with focus on theTertiary lava pile and the kinematicprocesses giving rise to it, and the sea floorin general. The interspersed sedimentarylayers, the dike swarms, central volcanoes,petrology and low-T alteration are demon-strated. The active Krafla center inNortheast Iceland is taken as a modernanalogue for the processes at work.

The excursion will permit the study of:- Tectonics, volcanism and geothermalactivity of the active rift zone in the Krafla

and Myvatn areas- The Plio-Pleistocene marine fossiliferoussequence in Tjörnes- The Pleistocene subglacial hyaloclastiteridges in Mödrudalsfjallgardur- The Tertiary volcanic lava pile with itsdike swarms in Reydarfjördur andBerufjördur- The denuded Tertiary central volcanoes ofThingmúli, Breiddalur and Álftafjördur- The Tertiary plutonic intrusions ofEystrahorn and Vestrahorn- The flank-zone volcanic activity in Öraefi.


23

Krafla fires in 1984, North Iceland.

Excursion 8: The Tertiary formation of Iceland-plateau basalts and central volcanoes,with Krafla as a modern analogue.


24

The excursion will focus on the stratigra-phy, volcanology, and petrology of the vol-canic sequences of the Faeroe Islands, andtheir relationship with the volcanic passivemargin of the northernmost Atlantic.

The excursion will include:- The lower lava series- The upper lava series

- Inter-bedded clastic sediments and coalhorizons- Visit to local coal mine- Uplift history, island morphology andlandslides- Comparison with ODP drilling resultsand seismic mapping of the Vøring Plateauvolcanic margin off the Norwegian coast.

Excursion 10: Faeroe Islands – Late Palaeocene/Eocene continent splitting,volcanism and sedimentation

Iceland offers an exceptional opportunity tostudy the extremely rapid Late-Weichselian deglaciation and the resultingrelative sea-level changes caused by the lowviscosity of the upper mantle below Iceland.Voluminous eruptions in Early-Holoceneare also related to the rapid isostaticrebound. The excursion will take us fromthe westernmost Reykjanes Peninsulathrough the Reykjavík area, aroundHvalfjördur to the Borgarfjördur Districtfocussing on Weichselian interstadialstratigraphy, deglaciation and relative sea-level changes. While crossing the interior ofwestern Iceland the focus will be on theinteraction between glaciers and volcan-ism. In southern Iceland the main empha-sis will be on a Younger Dryas - Preborealre-advances of the inland ice-sheet and for-mation of concurrent shorelines.

The excursion will allow the study of:- The interstadial sediments of Reykjanesand Reykjavík

- Younger Dryas – Preboreal marine sedi-ments and landforms- Early Bölling Raised shorelines and sedi-ments below Akrafjall and Skardsheidi- Subglacial volcanic formations and earlypostglacial shield volcanoes alongKaldidalur and Uxhryggir- Younger Dryas – Preboreal moraines andproglacial sediments in Southern Iceland

Two possible alternative additions

1. Through the central highlands to theEyjafjördur area to study the retreat of anoutlet glacier, formation of ice-dammedlakes and the formation of theSkogar/Vedde tephra.2. To Sólheimajökull and Myrdalsjökull tostudy modern development of glacier mar-ginal environments with formation of tills,moraines and outwash planes.

Excursion 9: Weichselian interstadials and Late Weichselian deglaciation, and relative sea-levelchanges in Southwest Iceland

The excursion will focus on the history andprocesses of the evolution of theCaledonian Orogen, including the con-structional contraction phase as well as thesubsequent late- to post-orogenic exten-sional phases.

The excursion will include:- Evidence for extreme crustal thickeningprovided by the ultra-high pressure eclog-ites- The World’s largest demonstrated exten-sional detachments- The Devonian supra-detachment sedi-mentary basins in Western Norway- Pre- and syn-orognic lithostatigraphy.A bus trip from Oslo through SouthernSweden to the University of Copenhagenand theCathedral in Roskilde. From Hirtshals inNorthern Jutland we take the ferry to

Kristandssand in Norway and return toOslo.

The excursion will include:- Visit to the world famous KT-boundarylocation at Stevns Klint and the scenic cre-taceous Møns Klint.- Further West on the island of Langelandwe will look at the classical section ofRistinge cliff where a spectacular glaciotec-tonic setting with over 30 thrust slicesincluding the Eemian deposits are exposed.- In Jutland stops will include the fossilrich cliffs on the island Fur with their char-acteristic volcanic ash layers, Skagen spit,and the active sand dune Raabjerg Mile.


25

Excursion 11: The Caledonian infra-structure and evolution in Southern Norway

Late orogenic folding of Eocambrian and Silurian pre- and syn-orogenic sediments


26

A bus trip from Oslo through SouthernSweden to the University of Copenhagenand theCathedral in Roskilde. From Hirtshals inNorthern Jutland we take the ferry toKristandssand in Norway and return toOslo.

The excursion will include:- Visit to the world famous KT-boundarylocation at Stevns Klint and the scenic cre-

taceous Møns Klint.- Further West on the island of Langelandwe will look at the classical section ofRistinge cliff where a spectacular glaciotec-tonic setting with over 30 thrust slicesincluding the Eemian deposits are exposed.- In Jutland stops will include the fossilrich cliffs on the island Fur with their char-acteristic volcanic ash layers, Skagen spit,and the active sand dune Raabjerg Mile.

Stevns Klint. The Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary is the clear horizontal surface at one third way up the escarpment.

Excursion 12: The Cretaceous and Tertiary geology of Southern Sweden and Denmark

Excursion 13: Early Palaeozoic faunal and lithofacies developments in Southern Scandinavia

The excursion will focus on the lithofaciesand faunal record of the Middle Cambrianto Lower Silurian in classical localitiesfrom Öland through southern Sweden toOslo.

Hellekis limestone quarry at Kinnekulle, W. Götaland, Sweden.Section showing the western carbonate platform facies influencedby the peri-platform Oslo depositional area to the west.

The excursion will focus on terrestrial andmarine impact structures with various tar-get rocks, impact tectonism, impact meltrocks, shock metamorphism, and geo-physics of impact. There are more than 20meteorite impact structures in the

Precambrian Shield of Scandinavia. Someof the impact events are ancient but someare relatively young. The field trip willfocus on seven of them.

The excursion will include:- The Gardnås Crater in central Norway- Siljan- crater collapse, pseudotachyliteformation, shatter cones- Lockne- influence of a marine environ-ment on crater formation, resurge deposits- Dellen- impact melt rocks, geophysicalsignatures of melt rocks- Lappajärvi: impact melt exposures, drillcore exhibition, impact diamonds, overviewof a young complex impact structure- Karikkoselkä: geophysics of a simpleimpact structure, shatter cones, drill coreexhibition- Söderfjärden: drill core exhibition, brecciadykes, geophysical characteristics andprobable a new drilling site with drillcores.

The excursion willfocus on the post-gla-cial history of theBaltic Sea basin,environmentalaspects of a semi-enclosed sea, marinegeology and acousticsurveys, evolution ofthe Baltic Sea areathrough geologicaltimes.

The excursion willinclude:- Åland Rapakivi-granite, Mariehamn- Cambrian sandstone dikes, witness ofthis level being in almost present positionduring the accumulation of the sandstone,of which only the remnants exist (Prästö).- Jotnian sandstones of the Åland Sea area.

- Rocks and skerries, roches moutonne’es ofan island in the Archipelago Sea (Kökar)- Outermost part of the Salpausselkä IIIice-marginal formation (Jurmo)- Gullkrona, skerries exposed from the seaby isostatic uplift of the bedrock.


27

Excursion 14: Baltic Sea marine geology – a sea-going mini-symposium

Marine research in the Baltic Sea

Excursion 15: Impact structures in Scandinavia

Limestones and shales in vertical position caused by Silurianmeteroite impact at Siljan.


28

The excursion will focus on disposal ofradioactive waste, and technical aspectsand geology of the candidate areas for thedisposal of highly-radioactive nuclearwaste.

The excursion will include:- Visit to the underground repository forthe disposal of low- and medium-radioac-tive waste at Forsmark (SFR)- Geology of the candidate area for the dis-posal of highly-radioactive nuclear wasteclose to Forsmark- Drillhole samples and data to a depth of c.

1 km in the Forsmark candidate area- Deformation of Quaternary sediments inthe Stockholm area - evidence for late- topost-glacial faulting and seismic activity? - Visit to the temporary repository for high-ly-radioactive nuclear waste at Simpevarp(CLAB)- Visit to the underground research labora-tory at Äspö- Geology of the candidate area for the dis-posal of highly-radioactive nuclear wasteclose to Simpevarp- Drillhole samples and data to a depth of c.1 km in the Simpevarp candidate area.

The Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory is perhaps SKB’s most important research and development resource. Here, SKB can test techniquesfor site investigation and deposition in a realistic environment.

Excurison 16: Geology and radioactive waste disposal

The excursion will focus on Glacial andpostglacial development; deposits andprocesses in Central Sweden. The excur-sion will use bus, helicopter and foothikesalong the route Stockholm-Uppsala-Rättvik-Östersund-Sollefteå-Örnsköldsvik.

The excursion will include the followingtopics:De Geer moraines,Varved glacial clay,Eskers, Gully system in Säter, Canyon of

StyggforsenKoppången soligenousmire complex,Interglacial and interstadial deposits,Glacifluvial and fluvial erosion, VarvechronologyRecent delta deposits, Highest glacialuplift on earth and ongoing shore process-es.


29

Glacial varved clay can be seen in the High Coast area.

Excursion 17: Glacial and postglacial landforms, stratigraphy and history of Central Sweden


30

The excursion will focus on the followingthemes: 1.9 Ga volcanism, synvolcanic Zn-Pb-Cu deposits, banded iron formationsand skarn iron ores, intrusive suites, gran-ite-associated tungsten deposits in aregional structural and metamorphic set-ting.

The excursion will include:Visits to severaltypes of volcanic-associated mineraldeposits, including:- active mine at Garpenberg (marble- andskarn-hosted Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag sulphidedeposit with Mg-alteration)- active mine Zinkgruvan (Zn-Pb-Ag sul-phide deposit with K-alteration)- closed mine at Falun with over 800 yearsof mining history (pyritic Zn-Pb-Cu-Au sul-phide deposit with Mg alteration)

- characteristic Fe- and Mn-oxide deposits(e.g. Långban which is world famous as thetype locality for hundreds of mineralspecies).

Visit to the Wigström granite-associated,1.8 Ga W-deposit

The enormous mining excavation known as the Great Pit at Falun, a part of the World Heritage of the Mining Area of the Great CopperMountain in Falun.

Excursion 18: The Bergslagen metallogenetic zone, Sweden

The excursion will focus on metallogeny ofand mining in Palaeoproterozoic intrusionsand greenstone belts of the northern partof the Fennoscandian Shield

The excursion will include:- 2440 Ma layered intrusion-hosted Crdeposits: the Kemi mine- 2440 Ma layered intrusion-hosted PGEdeposits: the Portimodeposits and mine(s)(the potential Suhankomine)- Orogenic gold depsotisin the PalaeoproterozoicCentral Lapland green-stone belt:Suurikuusikko deposit(mine?), deposits alongthe Sirkka Line shearzone- Iron oxide-copper-gold

style of mineralisation: Kolari deposits inwesternmost Finnish Lapland, Aitik inGällivare and other Au-Cu deposits aroundGällivare and Kiruna in Sweden (allPalaeoproterozoic)- The Kirunavaara and Luossavaaramines. The Kiruna iron deposits alsobelonging to the Iron oxide-copper-gold cat-egory?


31

Pahtavaara mine, Sodankylä, Finland.Orogenic mesothermal gold deposithosted by komatiitic volcanic rocks.

Excursion 19: Metallogenesis in Finland and Sweden

The excursion will focus on crustal scale3D modeling, Archean and Proterozoicophiolites, collisional structures, stabiliza-tion of thick crust.

The excursion will include:- Archean ophiolite and Belomorian mobilebelt- Archean granite-greenstone associationand Paleopro-terozoic overprinting- Jormua ophiolite – 2.08-1.96 Ga mantlefragment- Basement-cover relationships – structur-al style of foreland deformation- Archean-Proterozoic boundary – 1.92 Ga

island arc and 1.89 Ga HT-LP granulites- Tampere 1.90 Ga island arc and CentralFinland Granitoid Complex.

Excursion 20: Archean-Proterozoic overview in Fennoscandia


32

The excursion will focus on alkaline intru-sions of Norway, Sweden and Finland

The excursion will include:- Fen Complex: With a surface area of 4km2, the 600 Ma Fen complex contains andarray of rock types, including carbonatites,ijolites, and ultramafic lamprophyres (it isthe type locality of damkjernite). The latteris one of the few rock types inFennoscandia known to contain mantlexenoliths.- Alnö Complex: Of similar age to the FenComplex, this area of alkaline rocks andcalcite carbonatite contains central intru-sions up to 5 km in diameter. Over 1200dikes have been recorded ranging frommelilitites to alnöites to carbonatites. The

more kimberlitic versions of the alnöitesalso form diatremes north of Alnö, whichare presently being prospected for dia-monds.- Siilinjärvi Carbonatite: The 2.6GaSiilinjärvi carbonatite complex in EasternFinland is one of the oldest carbonatites inthe world. It consists of a steeply dippinglenticular body roughly 16 km long with amaximum width of 1.5 km and a surfacearea of 14.7 km2. In 1979 an open pit minefor phosphorus ore was commissioned thatpresently has an annual production ofsome 750,000 t apatite and 100,000 t car-bonate concentrates from 9.0 Mt ore with550 Mt of reserves and probable reserves.

Excursion 21: Carbonatites and alkaline rocks of the Fennoscandian Shield

Carbonatite.

The excursion will focus on mires, margin-al formations, clays, groundwater, andland uplift.

The excursion will include:- Mires of post glacial age: different types,development, fuel peat production, balneo-logical peat, reclaim of peat productionarea, target for tourism and education- The Salpausselkä marginal formations:genesis, structure, ground water reser-

voirs, raw material for aggregate- Post glacial land uplift; problems tomarine traffic, saline agricultural fields- Clay deposits of the saline and freshwater phases of the Baltic sea- Wind blown material: dune field along theBothnian Bay shoreline, loess on theSalpausselkä marginal formation- Palaeosoils and places of Neolithic andyounger historical settlements.


33

Excursion 22: Title: Postglacial overview of Finland

The excursion will focus on glaciogenemorphology, Quaternary stratigraphy, de-glaciation history , and post-glacial cli-mate.

The excursion will include:- Glacially shaped landscape morphology- Modern glacial deposits- Raised beaches and sea-level changes.

Excursion 23: Glacial and post-glacial landforms, stratigraphy and history of the fjord areas ofTroms, Arctic Norway

Postglacial esker An esker surrounded by lakes in Central Finland.


34

Western Svalbard exhibits an extensiverecord of Quaternary climatic change.

The excursion will focus on the Quaternaryhistory of Spitsbergen in the SvalbardArchipelago in the high Arctic .. The excur-sion will be made by boat into the fjords ofSpitsbergen with geological surveying andonshore outcrop visitsThe excursion willfocus on stratigraphies from the last inter-glacial/glacial cycle, geomorphology andraised marine shorelines, and present dayprocesses in the high arctic environment.

The excursion will include:- Well exposed stratigraphies of Eemian toWeichselian marine and glacial deposits atKapp - Ekholm (Billefjorden), S coast ofBellsund, Prins Karls Forland, and in

Linnédalen.- Climatic reconstruction from sedimentrecords and correlation to the marinerecord and palaeoceanographic changes ofthe North Atlantic.- Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene sedimen-tation and landscape development in theKongsfjorden area.- Holocene raised beach systems and sealevel change. Various localities inBillefjorden, Bellsund and Kongsfjorden.- Permafrost and karts features(Mathisondalen, Billefjorden andLinnédalen).- Glacial and periglacial processes.Longyeardalen, Advendtdalen andBrøggerhalvøya.- In addition to the geology: Arctic wildlife,cultural sites as old trapper station ana-bandoned mining settlements.

Icebergs broken off of the Ice Shelf in Hornsund.

Excursion 24: Terrestrial and marine Quaternary stratigraphy of Spitsbergen, high Arctic

The excursion will focus on presenting theCarboniferous to Tertiary geology ofSvalbard by boat and on foot inSpitsbergen.

The excursion will include:- Middle Carboniferous clastic-evaporitehalfgraben sequence with interfingeringfault-scarp deposits- Late Carboniferous marine carbonateshelf sequence with bioherms and evapor-

ite rythms- Mesozoic clastic succession with Triassicdelta sandstones, Triassic and Jurassicblack shale successions, and Cretaceouscoastal barrier environments - Jurassic major sequence boundary withphosphatic lag deposits, oolites, etc.- Early Cretaceous dolerite sills and dykes- Tertiary foreland basin succession- Coal production, visit to a coal mine.


35

Excursion 25: The post-Caledonian depositional succession of Svalbard

The Hyrne mountain in Hornsund.


36

1. The Precambrian geology of the WestTroms Gneiss Complex and the Lofotenarea2. The Precambrian crustal evolution in thesouthwest Baltic Shield – The MiddleProterozoic to Sveconorwegian evolution3. The greenstone belts of Finnmaark4. The Seiland Igneous Complex5. Layered intrusions in Norway6. The Leka Ophiolite Complex7. A traverse through the North-NorwegianCaledonides8. Caledonian granite batholites in Mid-Norway9. Highlights of the regional geology of cen-tral-western Norway10. The geology of northernmost Europe – Ageotraverse from Kirkenes to Alta11. A geotraverse at the Polar Circle12. A geotraverse of the Caledonides in cen-tral Scandinavia13. Post Caledonian tectonics of theNorwegian mainland14. The Permian Oslo Rift, volcanism andtectonic phases15. Virtual Reality visit to the petroleumreservoirs of the North Sea16. Lofoten eruptives17. The hard rock geology of Svalbard18. A section through the geology ofSvalbard – The Precambrian to theQuaternary of Isfjord and the west coast ofSpitsbergen

19. Late Palaeozoic to Tertiary sedimentarybasins in Spitsbergen: Billefjord, Isfjordand Adventdalen.20. The Tertiary fold belt: The west coastand outer fiords between Kongsfjord andSouth Cape on Spitsbergen21. The Devonian basin in northernSpitsbergen – sedimentology, tectonic set-ting and Quaternary volcanism22. The Quaternary of Arctic Eurasia23. The Quaternary of Svalbard24. Arctic Quaternary geology: Centralfiord regions and the west coast ofSpitsbergen25. The glaciology and glacial morphologyof Svalbard26. Falling stage deltas and postglacialfjord-valley-fill stratigrphy, northernNorway27. Raised beaches and postglacial sea-level change in Troms, northern Norway28. The fiords of western Norway:Quaternary geology and geo-morphology29. A traverse of the Quaternary geology ofSouth Norway 30. Karst landforms and aquifer develop-ment in the Scandinavian Caledonides31. Karst and sub-permafrost aquifers inSpitsbergen32. Quarries and industry minerals33. The Holsnøy eclogites34. Tour of the steep railroad of Flåm

A short text as well as an indication of theitinerary on a map with pictorial highlightswill be collected into a excursion booklet

which will be presented to the general pub-lic at the exhibition in Florence 2004.

Excursion booklet

Preliminary list of additional field trips under consideration


37

In Oslo 63 hotels total about 8,500 roomsfrom luxury hotels to youth hostels, corre-sponding to about 15,000 accommodations.Approximately 6,500 rooms have alreadybeen optioned for the 33rd IGC in 2008.Additional 1,000 beds are guarantied inyouth hostels, university residences atprices ranging from 20-40 US$. Within the

greater Oslo area an additional 50% capac-ity is available. All 6,500 rooms are at adistance less than 20 minutes (either walk-ing or by car or public transportation). Thecity presents a range of accommodationfacilities that satisfy all tastes and require-ments. Information about the NewCongress Centre is enclosed.

Geoexpo exhibition at the 32nd IGC in Florence 2004A special initiative by the bidding commit-tee have been dedicated to the preparationof the Nordic booth (GEONOR) for theGeoexpo Exhibition of the 32nd IGC inFlorence 2004. The GEONOR booth will bedesigned to review the ongoing Nordic geo-science research, present interactive geo-scientific maps on line and provide infor-mation and/or interaction regarding theorganisation of the 33rd IGC.

A free e-mail facility will be available toeverybody at the GEONOR booth.

It is our hope that in Florence the IGCCouncil will recommend the GeneralAssembly to ratify the choice of Oslo as thevenue for the 33rd IGC 2008, hopefully byendorsing a majority vote of the SteeringCommittee.

Geohost programmeThe intention is to follow the policy adopt-ed by the 32nd IGC in Florence in 2004.This policy which is summarised in the fol-lowing points will ensure the active partic-ipation of young talented geoscientistswith limited financial resources:1. Partial support, in the form of no regis-tration fees for 20% of participants (mainly

young scientists).2. Higher support, in the forum of no regis-tration fees and no accommodation andfood costs to 5% of the participants.3. Reduced registration fee (50%) grantedto Convenors and co-Convenors asking forit.

Accommodation and facilities at theOslo Congress Centre


38

Oslo as a city combines splendid outdoorpossibilities either on the fjord or in thehills surrounding the city with diverse artmuseums ranging from painters likeEdward Munch, the Viking ships and theboats of famous explorers like FridtjofNansen and Thor Heyerdahl. Oslo has allthe necessary facilities: an airport withdaily flights from the most importantEuropean capitals, as well as railway andship connections to the continent Oslo,besides being the city delivering the Nobelpeace price also hosts an important univer-sity and many renowned research centres(SINTEF, NORSAR, IFE, etc.). We wouldlike to draw your attention to the followingtechnical information regarding Oslo as aperfectly suitable place to host the 33rd

International Geological Congress.

Oslo, the host city of theproposed 33rd IGC

Oslo – the Viking Capital – is situated in the heart of Scandinavia,surrounded by magnificent scenery from fjords to forested hills.Already at the turn of the 10th century, a settlement was built atthe end of the Oslo fjord. This makes Oslo one of the oldest citiesin Scandinavia, and the only Scandinavian capital with an urbansettlement dating back to the Viking Ages.

Oslo Promotion (Oslo Visitor’s andConvention Bureau) will be able to giveyou information about Oslo at: Tourist Information Brynjulf Bulls Plass 1 NO-0250 Oslo, Norway

Telephone: +47 23 11 78 80 Fax: +47 22 83 81 50 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.visitoslo.com

Tourist information


39

Social functionsDespite its northern location, Norway isdecidedly more solar than polar, thanks tothe warming effects of the Gulf Streamflowing along its coast. At the time of theCongress, the weather should be pleasant(18-25ºC). There is daylight as late as 10p.m. and the sun rises as early as 5 a.m.Further north, above the Arctic Circle thesun never fully sets during the summer.

People in Oslo are friendly and enjoy host-ing visitors. Almost all Norwegians speakEnglish, so communication is easy. Thecentre of Oslo is small and compact, andmost hotels, meeting facilities, shoppingareas and entertainment venues are with-in walking distance of the Royal Castle.

The city of Oslo has a number of museumsand parks, such as the “Vigeland Park”,the National Gallery and the “MunchMuseum”. The peninsula, Bygdøy, is a siteof unique attractions: the museums: “KonTiki”, “The Viking-ships”, “Polar-Expeditions” and the “Norwegian FolkMuseum”. The area, suitable for walkingand relaxation, can be reached either by ashort bus ride or by boat.

FrognerseterenWith its mag-nificent view,435 metersabove theeveryday lifein theNorwegiancapital,Frogneseteren is a popular resort for day-trippers. Built in the time typical “Dragonstyle”, designed by Architect Holm Munthethe building was completed in 1892.Frognerseteren has since its openingalways been a restaurant/cafe.Frognerseteren is situated near theHolmenkollen tramline and theHolmenkollen jumping hill arena.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump plays animportant part in the Norwegian and inter-national skiing history, and is for many themain symbol of international ski sport. Theski jump has been the centre of Norwegianski sport for the last 100 years. You canenjoy a panorama view of the city of Oslofrom here, and also take part in summerconcerts and other activities. Inside the skijump is an impressive ski museum.

The Royal Castle in Oslo.


40

Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is on Bygdøy, ashort distance from the centre of Oslo. Ithouses findings from the great ship burialsat Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune, and from achieftain grave at Borre, Vestfold county.The three ships, which are the best pre-served Viking ships in existence, werefound in large burial mounds in the Oslofjord region. Beautifully crafted furnish-ings of wood and textiles from the Vikingperiod are exhibited, therefore you can seesome of the finest examples of art andcraftsmanship made in Norway over athousand years ago.

Henrik IbsenHenrik Ibsen (1828 -1906) is consideredthe father of moderndrama and one of theworld’s most famousplaywrights. Amongsthis most well knownplays are A Doll´sHouse, Hedda Gabler,

Peer Gynt, Brand,The Wild Duck, AnEnemy of the People etc. As relevant todayas 100 years ago, his plays are still stagedthe world over. If you wish, you may ask forinformation about the Henrik IbsenMuseums in and outside of Oslo.

Edward MunchEdward Munch’s (1863-1944) art is themost significant Norwegian contribution tothe history of art, and he is the onlyNorwegian artist who has significantlyinfluenced European art trends. This espe-cially as a pioneer of Expressionism inGermany and the Nordic countries. In hisart, he returned again and again to thememory of illness, death and grief. Many ofhis most famous paintings, such as TheScream, Vampire, Madonna, Death in theSickroom,The Dance of Life, and Girls onthe Bridge etc., can be viewed at theMunch Museum and National Gallery,both in Oslo.

Kon Tiki Museum

Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum and see ThorHeyerdahl’s exiting world for yourself! TheMuseum houses a range of boats and arte-facts from different expeditions. You cansee the original Kon-Tiki raft (1947)with a

30 foot shark underneath, statues and asecret family cave from Easter Island, thepapyrus boat Ra II (1970), and an excitingcollection of archaeological finds from theEaster Islands, East Polynesia, theGalapagos and Peru.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress and Castle are nationaltreasures, dating from the 13th centuryand located in the heart of Oslo. To get tothe main entrance, you cross the draw-bridge and find yourself in the InformationCentre with access to the Norway’sResistance and Armed Forces Museumsand Akershus Castle with its Church. TheFortress grounds are an ideal recreationarea, just as they were in the 19th century.From the Fortress you can enjoy the beau-tiful view over the Oslo fjord.

Gustav Vigeland sculpture parkThe famous Gustav Vigeland sculpturepark is one of the artistic highlights ofNorway, featuring 192 sculptures andmore than 600 figures.

Oslo City HallOslo City Hall is centrally located withinwalking distance of the Royal Palace andParliament. On the waterfront, overlook-ing the fjord, the City Hall reflects Oslo´shistoric role as a seafaring nation. Becauseof delays due to the second World War, theofficial opening didn´t take place before1950. Famous Norwegian artists likeHenrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen and manyothers have decorated the rooms. Thebuilding is open to the public and is wellworth a visit.

Norway’s coastal mountainsFrom the bustling towns of Bergen, Trondheim,

Stavanger and Oslo to the grandeur ofNorway’s coastal mountains and its inti-mate villages visitors will find an endlessarray of places to visit and things to do andsee in Norway. Snow lovers can enjoy sum-mer skiing on mountain glaciers and inSpitsbergen, you may even catch a glimpseof a polar bear.

Welcome to Virtual OsloThe Norway Experience Virtual TravelGuide of Oslo, Norway(www.virtualoslo.com) , include hotelguide, transport, activities, events andshopping guides. Personal Travel Guide,Interactive maps and multimedia VirtualGuided Tours through Oslo. Online VirtualWalk through the inner town. Click Walksare visual web-sites http://oslo.click-walk.no/indexe.html) that lead you on avirtual walk through Oslo. They are funand fully interactive with good images anduseful information. You decide where youwant to walk and what you want to see!Further information may be obtained byconsulting the following web sites: http://www.norway.org/ http://www.oslo.clickwalk.no/http://www.visitoslo.comhttp://www.hurtigruten.com/http://www.nsb.no/ http://www.flaamsbana.no/


41


42

EnclosuresINVITATION FOR HOSTING THE 33rd IGC IN 2008 PRESENTED AT THE 31st IGCIN RIO DE JANEIRO 2000

Norwegian National Committee for IUGS


43

The Prime Minister of NorwayMayor of Oslo, Per Ditlev SimonsenDanish National Committee for IUGSFinnish National Committee for IUGSIcelandic National Committee for IUGSNorwegian National Committee for IUGS Swedish National Committee for IUGSGeological Survey of SwedenGeological Survey of NorwayFinnish Ass. of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Geological Society of Finland Geological Survey of FinlandThe Norwegian Geological SocietyNorway Congress Centre (Brochure)

Support by governmental national,

regional and local authorities


44


45


46


47


48


49


50


51


52


53


54


55


56

Support by national earth sciences institutions


57


58

Norway Congress Centre(Brochure)


59

Norway Congress Centre


60



61



62



63



64



65


bidding document igc · Executive summary The 33rd IGC welcomes participants to the “lands of ice and fire”. (top, Svalbard, bottom, Iceland) Nordic International Geological Congress

Documents