1) S-1 MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A) Division S-1 Symposia and Sessions for 2004 Meeting in Seattle

Symposium 1: Reconciling Measured and Predicted Water, Heat and Solute Transport in Soil:
A Tribute to Peter J. Wierenga
This symposium is in honor of Peter Wierenga. Peter has made immense contributions to soil science, vadose zone hydrology, and the environmental sciences through his measurements of laboratory and field-scale water, heat and solute transport processes. Moreover, Peter's observations have posed great challenges to those trying to model these processes since existing models were often inconsistent with the data. Peter's work hence also spurred the development of improved water, heat and chemical transport models. In recognition of his many contributions, this symposium will include efforts at reconciling soil water, heat and chemical transport data and models. Volunteered contributions are sought from those who are working to reconcile data and models. The symposium will include oral presentations (invited and volunteer) and poster presentations (volunteer). The symposium will be held on a single day - oral presentations in the morning, poster presentations in the afternoon, and a social activity in the evening. For information please contact Bob Horton (rhorton@iastate.edu), Rien van Genuchten (RVANG@ussl.ars.usda.gov), or Jan Hendrickx (hendrick@nmt.edu).

Symposium 2: Landscape Processes: Monitoring, Mapping, and Modeling
This is proposed as a Society-wide symposium on Landscape Processes; currently it is co-sponsored by S-5. S-1 is seeking additional co-sponsors, so that funding will be available to invite speakers from other disciplines to speak at the symposium. It is proposed to use the "landscape" as a platform for integration towards a systems approach. Soils and water are among the most obvious integrated elements of landscape processes. Growing interests in landscape studies come about from many environmental and natural resource issues, such as non-point source pollution, TMDL's, landscape hydrology, spatial-temporal variability of soil water properties and its relation to landscape features, watershed management, site-specific farming, remote sensing applications in mapping, etc. Much of disciplinary research in these areas is largely dependent on soil's information and functioning. The key goal of the symposium is to bring together leading scientists in areas of soil science and related environmental sciences, such as in hydrology, ecology, and agronomy. The ultimate goal of the symposium is to stimulate interactions and collaborations with the aim to promote integrated research approaches in soil and environmental sciences within the landscape. For additional information, contact the following co-organizers: Jan W. Hopmans (jwhopmans@ucdavis.edu), Henry Lin (henrylin@psu.edu), Dennis Corwin (DCORWIN@ussl.ars.usda.gov), Gary Kachanoski (gary.kachanoski@ualberta.ca), Chris van Kessel (cvankessel@ucdavis.edu), or Don R. Nielsen (drnielsen@ucdavis.edu).

Session 1: Soil Water Content Sensing Methods: Comparisons and Calibrations
This session is co-sponsored by S-1 and A-3. It will focus on inter-comparisons and field and laboratory tests of new and old methods of soil water content sensing, particularly those with potential to lead to accurate profile water content estimates. Papers should deal with one or more of the following topics:

• Laboratory or field comparisons and testing of soil moisture sensors
• Studies of the variance among individual measurements and the variance of profile water contents inferred from multiple measurements in multiple profiles
• Laboratory or field (comparative) calibrations of sensors
• Investigations of measurement interferences, including temperature, bulk electrical conductivity, clay content and/or type, other mineralogy, and organic matter, etc.
• Investigations of volume sensed, both axially and radially
• Studies of the effects of small-scale soil heterogeneity

Theoretical studies of a particular methodology, or comparing methodologies, that will lead to insight concerning measurement volumes or interferences. For information please contact Steve Evett (srevett@cprl.ars.usda.gov).

Session 2: Advances in the Characterization of Soil Structure
This session is co-sponsored by Division S-1 and S-6. The session will emphasize developments in modeling and measurement techniques of soil structure at multiple scales. Presentations will include estimates of pore geometry with medical tomography (CT) and synchrotron computed microtomography (CMT), application of scaling methods, and the use of parameters of soil structure in modeling soil hydraulic properties and other processes. Contact Daniel Giménez at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, gimenez@envsci.rutgers.edu, (732) 932-9477, or Clark J. Gantzer at the University of Missouri, gantzer@missouri.edu, (573) 882-0611; for further information.

B) Nominations Sought for the Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award:
Nominations of well qualified candidates to compete for the S483 Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award sought. The award process is "on-line" this year. Please go to the following website to access a pdf-file with nomination instructions: http://www.asa-cssa-sssa.org/awards/.
Deadline for completing the online nomination, including the online receipt of all reference letters, is Friday, March 5, 2004. Eligibility criteria for nominators and nominees:

1. Nominators are expected to be SSSA members.
2. Nominees are not required to be SSSA members.
3. The award is intended for persons in midcareer.

After achieving a formal education, a person completing at least three years of professional activity in her or his focused field of study and not yet ceasing full-time professional employment is considered midcareer.

Francis X. M. Casey
Chair S483 "Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award" Committee
Email: Francis.Casey@NDSU.NoDak.edu

C) Nominations Sought for S-1 Early Career Award:
The division S-1 invites nominations for this award that recognizes scientists who have made an outstanding contribution in Soil Physics within six years after completing the Ph.D. degree. Principal criteria for the S-1 Early Career Award are:

1. Completion of Ph.D. degree in Soil Physics or closely related field within six years of the award.
2. Active member of the Soil Science Society of America.
3. Evidence of quality teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels if in a teaching position.
4. Evidence of effectiveness in extension and/or outreach activities.
5. Evidence of significant contribution of original basic and/or applied research in soil physics.
6. Contributions to the public, professional organizations and institutions.

Detailed instructions for nominating candidates may be found at http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/s-1/. To apply, submit four copies of the complete nomination containing (i) nomination letter not to exceed two pages in length, (ii) supporting materials (see instructions for format) that document the nominee's qualifications, and (iii) three supporting letters not to exceed one page each. The deadline for receiving nominations is June 1, 2004. Mail nominations to Dr. A. W. Warrick, Chair S-1 Early Career Award, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, 429 Shantz 38, U. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. Questions regarding the award may be directed to Art Warrick at aww@ag.arizona.edu or (520) 621-1646.

D) Division S-1 Awards

Special Service Award - Kurt Pennell
Dr. Kurt Pennell received the Special Service Award at the 2003 annual meeting for his dedicated and unselfish service to the S-1 Division of SSSA. He established and sustained the division webpage and newsletter for more than 5 years and was instrumental in fostering communication among S-1 members and with other disciplines. Through this award we recognize his services that enhanced visibility and standing of S-1 Division.

Early Career Award - Markus Tuller
Markus Tuller received the Early Career Award. Dr. Tuller is the second recipient of this annual award, which was established to recognize members who have made an outstanding contribution to Soil Physics within six years of completing their Ph.D. degree. He received the award for his work on pore scale processes. He has provided new insights and redirected physical concepts regarding adsorption, chemical soil water potential, pore-water flow regimes in unsaturated soils, and the characterization of flow in swelling soils. These topics are challenging and ambitious, even for seasoned soil physicists, yet his scientific work is well received, as evidenced by a large number of publications and invitations. In addition to his research activities, Dr. Tuller is a dedicated and competent teacher. Some of his web-based teaching on soil and environmental physics can be viewed on his website: http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller, which also contains much updated information on his current research activities.

E) Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ):
The Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) is doing increasingly well, with the number of submissions being significantly higher than those of the first two months of last year. The first issue of 2004 just came out (www.vadosezonejournal.org). This issue contains a special section "Understanding Subsurface Flow and Transport Processes at the Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Site". The section involves 17 papers discussing various aspects of the INEEL site, its history, its soil and groundwater pollution problems, the extreme heterogeneity of the site, infiltration in fractured basalt, biodegradation of organic contaminants, numerical simulations of vadose zone flow and transport processes at the site, and whatever else has been learned of the site, or is being studied at present. Bob Lenhard needs to be congratulated for putting this superb section together. Thanks also to the many authors from INEEL, LBL, USGS, and others who contributed. The February issue contains 11 other papers of interest. Again, click on the above VZJ web site and have a look.

The next issue (May, 2004) will contain two special sections, one on colloid and colloid-facilitated transport (16 papers, including several reviews), and one on uncertainty in subsurface flow/transport (approximately 10 papers).

If you have not already done so, now is the time to renew your subscription. Equally or more important is to have your Library subscribe to the journal. Institutional subscriptions are a very meager $300 this year. Now is the time also to pressure your Library. This is most easily done using the online form at the top of the VZJ website (www.vadosezonejournal.org). And remember to continue to submit your papers to VZJ; make sure your friends and colleagues do the same. VZJ is rapidly becoming the best journal of its kind, and the best bargain you can find. Let's keep it that way. Thanks. Rien van Genuchten.

2) UPCOMING MEETINGS OF INTEREST (arranged by meeting date)

A) 9th ASCE Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments (March 7-10, 2004, Houston, TX). The Aerospace Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers invites you to plan for and participate in their Ninth Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments. At this Conference, you will meet people from a variety of disciplines, and have ample enjoyable opportunities to discuss the confluence of engineering, construction, and operations in challenging environments that include planet Earth, Space, and other planetary bodies such as the Moon and Mars. One of the main goals of this Conference is technology transfer. Deadline for abstract submission is July 15, 2003. For further information please visit: www.asce.org/conferences/space04.

B) Gordon Research Conference- Flow and Transport in Permeable Media (July 11-16, 2004, The Queens College, Oxford, England). The Gordon Research Conference on "Flow and Transport in Permeable Media" is a bi-annual conference focusing on the latest advances in flow and transport in porous media. The conference provides a stimulating and relaxed forum for an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. Participants typically include hydrologists, chemical and petroleum engineers, environmental engineers, soil scientists, geologists, mathematicians, and physicists. In the spirit of the Gordon Conferences, the format is designed to encourage in-depth discussion, with a program of morning and evening invited lectures and open discussions. Free afternoons and evening social gatherings provide ample time for more informal interactions. Poster sessions form an important part of the meeting. For more information please visit: http://www.hyd.citg.tudelft.nl/grc/

C) International Conference on "Finite-Element Models, MODFLOW, and More 2004: Solving Groundwater Problems" (Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic, 13-16 September 2004).The FEM_MODFLOW conference aims at presenting cutting-edge development and practical application of groundwater models in all aspects of hydrological work. The conference is derived from and continues the productive MODFLOW conferences held by IGWMC in 1998, 2001 and 2003. In many countries, MODFLOW, the USGS modular three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater flow model, has become an important standard for groundwater modeling. Therefore, MODFLOW serves as a centerpiece for the recurring conference. However, the Conference Organizing Committee needs and encourages participation by users of all types of models in diverse applications, including those based on the finite-element technique and other approaches. The conference seeks to encourage understanding and appropriate use of the many widely used models. Most of all, the conference seeks to help solve groundwater problems. The conference includes keynote speakers on diverse topics, and contributed oral and poster presentations. Abstracts are due no later than February 29, 2004. For further information please visit: http://www.natur.cuni.cz/fem_modflow/

D) INRA Environmental and Subsurface Science Symposium 2004 (ESSS 2004). The Symposium will be held in Spokane, Washington at the Davenport Hotel. Be sure to mark your calendars for 19 - 22 September 2004. The Davenport Hotel is a newly restored 112-year old hotel. It has high-speed Internet throughout and other conveniences of a 4-5 star hotel. Go to the hotel website at www.davenporthotel.com to tour the meeting rooms, guest rooms, and other amenities.

This annual Symposium will highlight research being performed at the INRA institutions, the INEEL, and national and international research in our theme area. As the mission for the INEEL is changing in anticipation of the new Idaho National Laboratory (INL), we have decided on a theme which will continue to highlight capabilities in our traditional environmental and subsurface science areas, but with an eye toward the new INL mission areas. For further information please visit: http://www.inra.org/

E) Fifth European Conference on Geostatistics for Environmental Applications geoENV (Centre for Hydrogeology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on October 13-15, 2004).The Congress will be preceded by a two-day workshop, on October 11-12, 2004. The objective of the geoENV conference series is to bring together scientists from many different areas which share in common the application of geostatistics to environmental problems. A non-exclusive list of topics which are covered includes: Groundwater pollution and hydrogeology; Soil science, site remediation, industrial sites; Air monitoring; Spatiotemporal statistics; Climatology; Ecology, natural resources; Forestry, agriculture; Epidemiology, ecotoxicology; Biometry; and Remote Sensing. For further information please visit: http://www.unine.ch/chyn/geoenv/welcome.html.

3) NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

To review all announcements from the last six months please visit: http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/s-1/jobs.htm

A) Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Lattice Boltzmann Methods (posted 02/08/2004) The Earth Sciences Department at Florida International University (which holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest rating - "Doctoral/Research University-Extensive") has positions for Ph.D. students in the broad disciplines of hydrogeology and soil physics. Research areas include applications of lattice Boltzmann models to a wide range of problems including:

- Solute transport (linking parameters in FADE and CTRW models to porous medium geometry)
- Ground water and solute transport modeling in karstic and fractured domains
- Seawater intrusion and density driven flows
- Multiphase fluid migration in porous and fractured media
- Surface water flow and solute transport in the Everglades
- Liquid-vapor interface behavior in porous materials under microgravity conditions
- Gas phase diffusion in porous media
- Fractals and percolation theory

More traditional proposed research topics can be considered. FIU requires verbal + quantitative GRE >1120 for Ph.D. students. TOEFL required (>550 or >230 computerized) for non-native English speakers. Strong quantitative and computer skills required. Contact Dr. Mike Sukop at sukopm@fiu.edu for further information.

B) Postdoctoral Position - Permeable sediment pore water-seawater hydrodynamics (posted 02/01/2004) Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in a NSF-funded project at the University of Hawaii that aims to significantly advance our ability to describe and quantify the transport of solutes and particulate matter in sandy sediments. We seek an individual with strong quantitative and experimental skills and with an enthusiasm to work on interdisciplinary problems bridging the fields of fluid dynamics, physical oceanography and sediment geochemistry.

The successful candidate will join a cross-disciplinary international team of scientists in lab and field research that will evaluate theoretical models of hydraulic transport through sediment pores, and will examine the importance and timescales of the hydrodynamic pumping mechanisms. The work will address the present lack of suitable tools for quantifying pore water and particle motion, including sediment-seawater fluxes, in sandy sediments. This is an emerging research area that aims to further our understanding of the geochemical cycles in the coastal zone and in the world's oceans. More information on this project can be found at:www.soest.hawaii.edu/~sansone/permeable-seds.html

Send a vita and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Dr. Frank Sansone, Dept. of Oceanography, 1000 Pope Rd., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 or sansone@soest.hawaii.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

C) Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil Physics/Vadose Zone Hydrology (posted 01/19/2004) The Division of Hydrologic Sciences is seeking to fill a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position (contingent upon funding availability) with expertise in soil physics and/or vadose zone hydrology. The successful candidate will participate in, and lead aspects of, several research projects dealing with characterizing and simulating water flow in near-surface soil environments, typically in arid and/or semiarid settings. The projects are part of a larger DRI initiative that seeks to improve the understanding of linkages between soil, water, and geomorphology and ecosystem development. The output of this research would then be used to solve a number of applied topics that vary from ecosystem restoration and development, long-term predictions of water balance, and short-term predictions of surface runoff and deep soil recharge. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to participate in international research projects. S/he will work in an interdisciplinary environment and will collaborate with faculty and graduate students in ongoing research programs. Significant opportunities exist for developing research ideas and for pursuing external funding to investigate these ideas. A soil physics laboratory is available and equipped with infrastructure and electronic components to run a wide variety of steady-state and transient experiments on laboratory soil columns of variable size. The position is located in DRI's Southern Nevada Science Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the positions are filled. To ensure consideration, you must submit current resume, contact information for three work-related references, a cover letter describing interests, experiences and career goals, and proof of Ph.D. Because this position is one of six being offered at DRI, applicants should clearly indicate the position(s) they are interested in by referencing the sponsoring faculty member, Dr. Michael Young. Send materials to: Human Resources, DRI, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512; (775) 673-7431, or email MSWord-compatible attachments to recruit@dri.edu or fax application materials to (775) 673-7339. Specific questions can be sent to Dr. Michael H. Young, 702-862-5489, email: michael@dri.edu.

D) Tenure track faculty position in Hydrology (posted 01/26/2004) The Department of Hydrology and Water Resources (HWR) at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in Hydrology, in particular the integration of hydrologic models and data using modern concepts of systems analysis, information theory, and statistics. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the development of methodologies for data assimilation, parameter estimation, and optimization, and their application within the context of hydrology. The level of the search is open, but the ideal candidate will be a junior or mid-career scientist with an interest in both research and teaching, who will complement departmental strengths in surface and subsurface hydrology. Instructional responsibilities include a graduate course in systems analysis, an advanced course in the individual's specialty, and a contribution to departmental core courses. At the associate level, the applicant should demonstrate success in managing an active research program, including the supervision of graduate students. At the assistant level, the applicant should demonstrate a high potential to develop such a program. Collaboration within HWR as well as related units on campus is encouraged. Salary is commensurate with experience. HWR and the University of Arizona are committed to diversity and applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.

Applications, including a curriculum vita, statement of teaching and research interests, and the names and addresses of four referees, should be submitted to Systems Analysis Search Committee, c/o Debbie Chester, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, 1133 E. North Campus Dr., University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. Review of applications will begin February 5, 2004, but the position will remain open until filled.

E) Instrument/Field Technician II, DRI, Las Vegas, NV (posted 01/26/2004) The Desert Research Institute (DRI), a multi-disciplinary environmental research campus of the University and Community College System of Nevada, seeks to hire an Instrument Technician II, or persons with other relevant professional experience to support basic and applied research programs involving vadose zone hydrology, soil physics and environmental physics. The position will be located at DRI's Southern Nevada Science Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. DRI's approximately 400 research faculty and technicians, conduct over $30M of research annually, and during the last 10 years have conducted work in all 50 states and on every continent. The Desert Research Institute, functions in a combined academic and entrepreneurial setting, strongly encourages creativity and individual initiative, actively facilitates professional development, and promotes high standards for all faculty and staff. Salary range for this technologist position is $41,277 to $56,091 annually with an excellent benefits package. To learn more about DRI and a detailed position description for this position, #41-009, visit us at www.dri.edu or call 775/673-7431. To learn more about this position, contact Dr. Michael Young at 702/862-5489 or e-mail michael@dri.edu. The Desert Research Institute is an Affirmative Action/EEO employer. We employ only U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S.

APPENDICES

A) S-1 Contacts
Chair (04): David Radcliffe dradclif@arches.uga.edu
Chair-Elect (05): Gerard Kluitenberg gjk@ksu.edu
ASA and SSSA Board Representative (04-06) Glenn Wilson: gvwilson@ars.usda.gov
SSSA Journal S-1 Technical Editor: Sally Logsdon logsdon@nstl.gov

B) S-1 Working Groups and Committees
S-1 Program for 2004 ASA-SSSA Meetings (Seattle, WA, Oct. 31-Nov. 4): David Radcliffe
Kirkham Conference 2004 (Utah State): Wilford Gardner and Scott Jones
S-1 Early Career Award: Art Warrick, Per Moldrup and Jacob Dane