The Canadian Geophysical Union (French: Union géophysique canadienne) (CGU) began as a society dedicated to the scientific study of the solid
earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's surfa ...
and has evolved into one that is concerned with all aspects of the physical study of Earth and its
space
Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. In classical physics, physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider ...
environment, including the Sun and solar system. To express this broader vision of the geophysical sciences, the Union has adopted a sectional structure that allows individual sections to function as semi-autonomous entities.
Goals
* Advance and promote the scientific study of Earth and its environment in space and to serve as a national focus for the geophysical sciences in Canada.
* Foster cooperation between the Canadian geophysical community and other national and international scientific organizations.
* Encourage communication through the organization and sponsorship of conferences and the publication of scientific results.
* Promote integration of geophysical knowledge with that of other sciences concerned with the improvement of life on Earth.
History
On October 24, 1945, the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada convened the first meeting of an Associate Committee to advise it on the needs of geophysics, with J.T.Wilson as the Chairman of the committee. In 1946, this committee was amalgamated with the Canadian committee for the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) to form the Associate Committee of Geodesy and Geophysics (ACGG) of the NRC. Activities of geophysicists in Canada were coordinated by ACGG by forming a number of subcommittees. In 1974, the ACGG was replaced by a professional society called "The Canadian Geophysical Union, a joined Division of the
Geological Association of Canada
The Geological Association of Canada (GAC) is a learned society that promotes and develops the Geology, geological sciences in Canada. The organization holds conferences, meetings and exhibitions for the discussion of geological problems and the ...
(GAC) and of the
Canadian Association of Physicists
Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP), or in French Association canadienne des physiciens et physiciennes (ACP) is a Canadian professional society that focuses on creating awareness among Canadians and Canadian legislators of physics issues, spo ...
(CAP)", and with J.T.Wilson as its first president. The Canadian Geophysical Union became an independent organization in 1988, but today geophysicists still can join CGU by joining CAP or the Geophysics Division of GAC. In 1993, the CGU formed a Hydrology Section. Now with about 500 members, CGU serves as the national focus for geophysical sciences.
Activities
To promote scientific communication, the CGU organizes Annual Meetings, topical conferences and workshops. To recognize outstanding scientific achievement and contributions to the Canadian geophysical sciences, the CGU offers various awards ranging from Best Student Paper awards to the
J. Tuzo Wilson Medal, honouring Canada's premier geophysicist and first medal recipient. To communicate exciting research results to the university community and the general public, the CGU sponsors a nationwide Distinguished Lecturer Series and facilitates other forms of public exposure of science. To strengthen the geophysical sciences in Canada and Canadian science in general, the CGU provides representation on the
Canadian Geosciences Council
Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of ...
and the Canadian National Committee for the
International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG; french: Union géodésique et géophysique internationale, UGGI) is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the scientific study of Earth and its space environment usi ...
.
See also
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List of geoscience organizations
This is a list of organizations dealing with the various geosciences, including geology, geophysics, hydrology, oceanography, petrophysics, and related fields.
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*Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS)
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National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and ...
External links
CGU Official Website
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Earth sciences societies
Geophysics societies
Geology societies
Learned societies
Learned societies of Canada
Scientific societies based in Canada
Scientific organizations based in Canada
Scientific organizations established in 1974