1) S-1 MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A) S-1 Member Awards at 2002 Annual Meeting:
Robert Horton Don and Betty Kirkham Award
Art Hornsby Soil Science Professional Service Award
Gerard Kluitenburg Fellow of ASA
Jan Hendrickx Fellow of SSSA
David Smiles Fellow of SSSA
Rien van der Ploeg Fellow of ASA and SSSA
Ty Ferre S-1 Early Career Award

B) 2003 Annual Meeting (November 2-6, 2003 Denver, CO):
Dani Or is currently working on logistics of two S-1 sponsored symposia for next year’s annual meeting: Diffusion Processes (S-1 lead, co-sponsor with S-2) and Hydropedology (S-5 lead, co-sponsor with S-1). Details of the number and type of sessions will be forthcoming. Both title summary forms and abstracts must be submitted on line by the dates listed below.
General Meeting Web Page: www.asa-csssa-sssa.org/anmeet/
Deadline for Title-Summary Forms: March 27, 2003
Deadline for Abstacts: July 23, 2003

C) EGS-AGU-EUG Joint Assembly (April 6-11, 2003 Nice, France):
Several technical sessions are being chaired e by S-1 members in the Hydrologic Sciences (HS) section of the meeting. www.copernicus.org/egsagueug/index.html. The deadline for submission of abstracts is January 15, 2003 (see item 3-D below for more details).

D) Division S-1 Early Career Award (June 1, 2003 deadline):
The award recognizes scientists who have made outstanding contributions to Soil Physics within six years of completing the Ph.D. degree. Qualifications for the S-1 Early Career Award and instructions for nominating candidates can be found at: http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/s-1/eca.htm.

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

A) International Conference on Soil and Groundwater Contamination and Cleanup in Arid Countries (January 20-23, 2003, Muscat, Sultan of Oman)
The conference will address a range of topics including management and decision making in conservation and remediation, soil and groundwater vulnerability assessment, salinization and sea water encroachment, leakage from lagoons and evaporation ponds, pore-scale processes in multi-phase systems, and remediation technologies. The first call for papers was February 2002. Paper submission deadline was August 15, 2002. Additional information is available at: http://www.squ.edu.om/agr/

B) 13th Annual West Coast Conference on Contaminated Soils, Sediments and Water (March 17-20, 2003, San Diego, CA)
This annual conference is intended to bring the environmental science community closer together by providing a forum to facilitate the exchange of information of technological advances, new scientific achievements, and the effectiveness of standing environmental regulation programs. Abstracts were due July 15, 2002. More information is available at: http://www.aehs.com/conferences/westcoast/index.htm

C) 225th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting (March 23-27, 2003, New Orleans, LA)
The main ACS meeting link is located at http://www.acs.org/portal/Chemistry.

D) Joint Assembly of EGS-AGU-EUG (April 7-11, 2003, Nice, France)
This joint meeting replaces the Spring 2003 AGU Meeting. Deadline for receipt of abstracts is January 15, 2003. Deadline for pre-registration and housing is March 7, 2003. Additional information is available at: http://www.copernicus.org/egsagueug/index.html

E) International Conference on Mechanics of Physicochemical and Electromechanical Interactions in Porous Media (May 18-23, 2003, Kerkrade, The Netherlands)
The International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) and the Eindhoven University of Technology are organizing a "Symposium on the Mechanics of Physicochemical and Electromechanical Interactions in Porous Media", to be held 18-23 May 2003 at the Congress Centre Rolduc, Kerkrade, The Netherlands. Details can be found at www.iutam.net/symposia/porous. Participation will be restricted to invited scientists. Any soil physicist wishing to participate should contact Peter Raats at pac.raats@home.nl. Please include a brief abstract of your potential contribution.

F) 19th Annual International Conference on Contaminated Soils, Sediments and Water (October 20-23, 2003, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA)
Abstracts for poster and oral presentations are invited for sessions related to contaminant fate and remediation including bioremediation, chemical analysis, cleanup standards, environmental fate and modeling, innovative technologies, site assessment and field sampling. Deadline for abstract submission is February 10, 2003. www.Umass.com. Contact Information: Denise Leonard, Environmental Health Sciences, N344 Morrill, University of Massachussetts, Amherst, MA 01003, tel: 413-545-1239, e-mail: dleonard@schoolph.umass.edu.

G) International Conference on Water-Saving Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Water and Land Resources in Arid and Semiarid Areas (October 26-29, 2003, Yangling, China)
This international conference will address a number of themes including: Biological mechanisms of water-saving agriculture, Agronomic technology and plant improvement, Irrigation technology and water management, Sustainable use of water resources, Agricultural water and land environment. Interested participants should submit abstracts (approximately 300 words) for either platform or poster presentations by November 30, 2002 via e-mail to kang62@public.xa.sn. Further information can be obtained from the ICWSAWLR Secretariat, College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest Sci-Tech University of Agriculture and Forestry, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China. tel: +86-29-709-2129, fax: +86-29-709-2335.

3) NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

A) Soil Scientist, Hydrologist, or Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS, St. Paul, MN (received 1/07/03)
The USDA-ARS Soil & Water Management Unit, St. Paul, Minnesota, is seeking a scientist to address the impact of agricultural management practices on the movement of agricultural chemicals and organic carbon into ground and surface waters. The Unit is housed within, and enjoys a close working arrangement with, the Department of Soil, Water, & Climate of the University of Minnesota. Must be U.S. citizen. Salary is commensurate with experience ($55,734 to $101,815). For further information on the position, contact John M. Baker at 6126254249; jbaker@soils.umn.edu; or view the vacancy announcement (ARSX3W-3037A) at www.ars.usda.gov. For information on application procedures contact Pam Groth at 6516495046. Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2003. USDA-ARS is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

B) Faculty Position, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Hampshire (received 12/20/02)
The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Hampshire invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor or associate professor level. The position is in the area of water resources engineering. Applicants must have a strong background in two or more of the following areas: stormwater, vadose zone hydrology, modeling of environmental processes, hydraulics and/or kinetics of transport processes, stream restoration, ecohydraulics, measurement of environmental fate and transport coefficients, water resources planning, design of water resources/environmental components and systems, water resources systems engineering, or remote sensing applications. Successful candidates should be prepared to develop an externally funded, independent research program. Other responsibilities will include teaching existing courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, developing new courses, advising, committee work, supervising undergraduate and graduate students, and actively participating in service and outreach activities. An earned doctorate in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely-related field is required and professional engineering registration is expected within the first four years of employment. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume, separate statements of teaching and research interests, and the names and contact information of three references to Search Committee; Department of Civil Engineering; University of New Hampshire; 236 Kingsbury Hall; Durham, NH 03824. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. UNH is committed to excellence through diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum including women and people of traditionally underrepresented ethnicities.

C) Faculty Position, Water Resources Engineering, Michigan Technological University (received 12/15/02) Michigan Technological University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering beginning August 2003. We are seeking a faculty member at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on the applicant's qualifications and experience, with interests in any area of water resource engineering, hydrology, or hydraulics. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, with ability to teach undergraduate courses in hydraulics/fluid mechanics, open channel flow, hydrology, and water resources design. A doctoral degree in civil or environmental engineering or closely related field is required for employment. Registration or the ability to become registered as a Professional Engineer is highly desirable. Additional information on the position can be found at our web site (www.cee.mtu.edu). To apply, please send a resume, a statement of teaching and research interests, and names of three references to Dr. David Watkins (Search Committee Chair), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until the position is filled. Women and under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Michigan Technological University is an equal educational institution/equal opportunity employer.

D) Research Associate I, Civil and Environmental Engineering/Environmental Research Institute, University of Connecticut (received 11/15/02)
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at the University of Connecticut are seeking applicants for a full-time Environmental Engineering Technician to support our expanding program. The primary duties include: 1) design, coordination, and construction of state-of-the-art Environmental Monitoring and Demonstration laboratory; 2) planning, conducting, and analyzing research in Environmental monitoring and related areas; 3) operating and maintaining field and laboratory facilities, instruments, and equipment; 4) providing research assistance and oversight for several research projects and Principal Investigators; 5) assisting graduate student research projects; 6) supervising undergraduate student workers; and 7) conducting other related functions and responsibilities. The candidate should possess superb technical skills (machine shop, electronics); computer and quantitative analysis skills, and be capable of fieldwork with a track record of teamwork. The candidate should be familiar with basic hydrology, geology, and some geophysics techniques. The position includes field and laboratory activities, some of which may be moderately strenuous. Some travel and occasional overnight stays will be required. The position will start in February 2003 and has an annual salary of $40,000, for a 12-month appointment, including full State of Connecticut benefits, including medical and dental insurance, vacation, and sick leave. This position has two years funding through the School of Engineering and ERI. Potential for continued support is contingent on continued extramural support and job performance. Required Qualifications: 1) MS degree with extensive experience preferably in a related engineering field; 2) Superb communication and technical skills. Preferred Qualifications: 1)Experience in field and laboratory research practices related to hydrology, geo-chemistry, and soils, including relevant techniques, instruments and analyses; 2) Skills and experience in data analysis and technical writing; 3) Knowledge and experiences concerning characterization of soil physical properties and processes, instrumentation and hydrologic monitoring network design and deployment; 4) Adept with personal computers and a variety of Windows software applications; 5) Familiarity with electronic datalogging equipment. The successful candidate will exercise creativity and good judgment while performing duties, and will demonstrate organization, enthusiasm, and ability to work independently and with others. The incumbent will display conscientious and careful work habits, and employ efficient strategies to simultaneously work on multiple projects. Screening will begin January 1, 2003 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send: 1) letter of application describing how their background and experiences uniquely meet the requirements of the position, 2) transcripts of university coursework (‘official’ copies not necessary), 3) current resume or curriculum vitae, and 4) names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: Research Associate, Environmental Engineering, c/o Kristina Lazzaris, University of Connecticut, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 261 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2037, Storrs, CT 06269-2037. Email and fax applications will not be accepted. For questions, please contact Dr. Dani Or, (860) 486-2768, dani@engr.uconn.edu. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

E) Postdoctoral Research Associate, Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (10/15/02)
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (www.ornl.gov) Environmental Sciences Division (www.esd.gov) invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the Geosciences and Environmental Engineering Section. Openings are available to work on one or both of two projects. One project involves the development and testing of a computer model and field and laboratory protocols to assess the long-term efficacy of monitored natural attenuation at chlorinated solvent contaminated sites, considering DNAPL mass transfer kinetics, volatilization, hydrodynamic processes, and the full spectrum of biological transformations. The second project involves the development of computational tools to evaluate effects of soil amendments on heavy metal bioavailability and risk reduction versus cost. The successful candidate should be able to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team, yet work with a high degree of independence and self-direction. Qualifications include a PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering field and experience with development and field applications of contaminant transport models. Interested candidates should send a resume and a list of three references to Dr. Jack Parker, ORNL, PO Box 2008, Oak Ridge TN 37831-6036 or via email at parkerjc@ornl.gov. Please reference the position title and number (ORNL03-02-ESD), when corresponding about this position. This appointment will be offered through the ORNL Postdoctoral Postmasters Research Associates Program (www.orau.gov/orise/edu/postgrad/ornlpdoc.htm). Salaries will be competitive. The program is open to all qualified U.S. and non-U.S. citizens without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or disabled veteran.

APPENDICES

A) S-1 Contacts
Chair (03): Dani Or: dani@engr.uconn.edu
Chair-Elect (04): David Radcliffe: dradclif@arches.uga.edu
ASA and SSSA Board Representative (00-03): Dave Nofziger: dln@mail.pss.okstate.edu
SSSA Journal S-1 Technical Editor: Sally Logsdon: logsdon@nstl.gov

B) S-1 Working Groups and Committees
S-1 Program for 2003 ASA-SSSA Meetings (Denver, CO, Nov 2-6, 2003): Dani Or
Kirkham Conference 2004 (Utah State): Wilford Gardner and Dani Or
S-1 Early Career Award: Jan Hopmans, Art Warrick, Per Moldrup and Jacob Dane

C) 2002 Division S-1 Business Meeting Minutes (October 13, 2002 Indianapolis, IN)

Introduction:

Jacob Dane, the chair, called the S-1 business meeting to order. About 100 members were in attendance. Gerard Kluitenberg, chair of the S-1 Early Career Award Committee announced the first recipient of the award, Ty Ferre. The minutes of the 2001 Business Meeting were unanimously adopted without change.

Old Business:

David Nofziger (ASA-SSSA Board Representative) provided highlights from the SSSA-ASA Board meeting. He informed us that the interviews for Executive VP are underway. The initiative to transfer all issues of SSSAJ through 2000 to CD is nearly completed, and price structures are under discussion. A major soils exhibit will be created at the Smithsonian Institution. The projected loss for the SSSA is about $151,000 for 2003. The Board approved several recommendations to reduce this loss, including reduced free page in SSSAJ and JEQ from 6 to 4, charging non-members for all pages, and a moratorium on publication of books and monographs. This item generated discussion among the members, and a motion was proposed by David Radcliffe that no changes be made in current page charge structure, but that deficits be addressed by charging for submission of abstracts to the national meetings, nominally increasing library subscription rates, and/or increasing page charges beyond the 6 free pages. The motion carried. The Board representative highlighted several opportunities, including the need for volunteers to serve on a Rapid Response Team to provide information to federal policy-makers. Planners for the 2006 World Congress of Soil Science requested support in proposing symposium topics. Finally, S-1 members were encouraged to provide input to suggested changes in format for the tri-societies annual meetings via the web-based questionnaire.

Rein van Genuchten reported on the first two issues of the Vadose Zone Journal, including some statistics concerning manuscript flow. He highlighted several initiatives for special topical issues resulting from symposia held in cooperation with collaborating societies including GSA and EGS, and called upon the members to expand the diversity of submitted topics.

SSSAJ S-1 Technical Editor David Radcliffe thanked the following Associate Editors who are finishing their terms: Robert Horton, Ed McCoy, John Selker, and Sally Logsdon. He welcomed four new AEs: Per Moldrup, Mark Rockhold, Glenn Wilson, and Jon Wraith. Sally Logsdon will be the new S-1 technical editor. David will be serving as S-1 Chair during 2003-2004.

Clarke Topp reported on the availability of the new Methods of Soil Analysis – Physical Measurements, and the apparent resistance of the Society to make the volume available in electronic format (CDs) and on the web. Bob Luxmoore suggested that recommendations should be made to the ASA-SSSA Board to pursue electronic format consistent with recouping the costs and with society pricing structure and regulations. Clarke put forward a motion to the ASA-SSSA Board to provide the Methods of Soil Analysis in electronic format (CD or DVD) according to the society pricing structure and regulations. The motion was approved, and followed by a motion to recommend that the Board also explore the potential to provide the monograph on the Internet, with an accompanying format to charge internet-based users.

Glenn Wilson provided an extensive report from the ad-hoc Committee on Feasibility of a Federation Structure for the Tri-societies. The recommendation involves 1) developing a clear vision for enhancing services to membership, sciences and the public; 2) decisions on federation structure should be based on science, educational programs, and effective business and organizational services. Bob Luxmoore made the motion that we send a recommendation to the Board that the restructuring committee’s recommendations be acted on expeditiously, keeping in mind potential impacts on international membership. The motion carried.

Bob Luxmoore announced plans to have a joint meeting with the GSA in 2008. These plans are supported by the Tri-Societies. A liaison committee was formed by the GSA to discuss possible joint activities before 2008.

Chair of the S-1 Early Career Award Committee Gerard Kluitenberg proposed revisions to the nomination guidelines for this committee, to replace committee members through nomination rather than election. The committee’s recommendation was for the outgoing committee chair to appoint a new member. After some discussion a motion was made and approved that the incoming S-1 Chair will appoint the new incoming member in consultation with the committee members. The outgoing S-1 Chair is automatically joins to the committee along with the two continuing members and one new member. Committee members for 2003 include chair Jan Hopmans, Art Warrick, outgoing S-1 Chair Jacob Dane, and a new member to be appointed by Gerard Kluitenberg.

Jacob Dane recognized the services of Kurt Pennell in providing the S-1 website.

New Business:

Jacob Dane provided statistics on the number of papers and posters presented in Indianapolis. The meeting highlights included a symposium honoring Clarke Topp, and it was particularly gratifying to have minimal overlap between oral sessions. It was strongly recommended to continue having a low number of symposia.

Jacob Dane proposed that S-1 Chair elections be completed electronically, and that the vote be limited to society members who list S-1 among their top three options. After some discussion a motion to recommend to the ASA-SSSA Board that election of the Division Chair be restricted to members who list that division among their top three for the current year was presented and passed.

Dani Or provided a short report on the upcoming Don and Betty Kirkham Conference to be held in Logan, UT. It is planned for the last week of October 2004, just before the SSSA annual meetings in Seattle. Local arrangements are being made, and the four recipients of the Kirkham Award will form the scientific committee for the conference.

A report by Lois Peterson focused on the IUSS, and particularly on the 2006 International Soil Science Congress. She reported on plans and activities underway, and encourages members to provide ideas for IUSS Division 2 (2.1 is Soil Physics) symposia to Representative Keith Cassel (members may also check the website at www.iuss.org). [See National Committee for Soil Science handout]

Keith Bristow provided a short report on the annual meeting restructuring, and solicited input from S-1 members. Recommendations included limiting the number of symposia to one per division, limiting paper submissions to one per first author (who must also be corresponding author and presenter). The responses to the survey regarding meeting length were contradictory, and he reinforced the recommendation for S-1 members to participate in this survey via the SSSA website. Those in attendance supported maintaining the present 3.5 day format, and were supportive of the two proposed restrictions, i.e., for symposia and number of submissions.

Announcements:

Jacob Dane recognized the following S-1 members who received awards at the 2002 meetings: Robert Horton received the Don and Betty Kirkham award, Art Hornsby received the Soil Science Professional Service Award, Gerard Kluitenberg was elected Fellow of the ASA, Jan Hendrickx and David Smiles were elected Fellows of the SSSA, Rien van der Ploeg was elected Fellow of the ASA and SSSA, and Ty Ferre received the S-1 Early Career Award.

Jacob Dane introduced the incoming S-1 Division Chair Dani Or, who thanked Jacob for his excellent services to the division and adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Dani Or