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INTRODUCTION

Many countries and societies have been influenced directly or indirectly by the earth sciences. This has included the development plans or economics of such countries. Special attention has been paid to research on natural resources, such as water and minerals, as well as the study of geologic hazards and how to mitigate their harmful impacts.

The Saudi government has given great attention to the earth sciences by establishing the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) as a scientific organization, specializing in surveying, geological mapping, tectonics, geophysics, marine geology, studies in hydrology, and mineral resources as well as environmental hazards, particularly earthquakes and volcanoes.

The government has issued legislation such as the Mining Investment Code in order to encourage investment in the mining sector. It also focuses on qualifying the national work force to pave the way for them to work in the public and private sector.  The Saudi universities also play a significant role in the training of students to assist them in finding employment in the oil and mining industry or the government sector.

In light of this government strategy, the Saudi Geological Survey will organize, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry for Mineral Resources (DMMR) and King Abdul-Aziz University, the 8^th Saudi Meeting on Geosciences. The meeting will also host a number of scientists from outside the Kingdom.

CEREMONY

His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal will inaugurate the opening ceremony of the 8^th Saudi Meeting on Geosciences, which will be organized by the Saudi Geological Survey and held in Hilton Hotel, Jeddah on Monday March 9, 2009 for four days under the slogan "Serving the Earth".

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

·         Exchange information and experiences relating to the earth sciences.

·         Maintain scientific contact among geoscientists.

·         Develop scientific and professional performance.

·         Identify the latest technology in the earth sciences.

 MEETING THEMES

·         Environmental geology and mine waste management.

·         Hydrogeology and water resources development.

·         Earthquakes, volcanism, and geohazards.

·         Sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petroleum geology.

·         Geochemistry and geophysics

·         Marine geology and geophysics.

·         Structural geology, remote sensing, GIS and tectonics.

·         Arabian-Nubian shield.

·         Mineral resources and mining development.

EXHIBITION AND FIELD TRIPS

The meeting will offer three field trips and specialized workshops, in addition to an exhibition to share geological information, and show maps and the latest techniques used in the earth sciences. 

MEDIA COVERAGE

The episode will be covered by the media in the form of advertisements in local newspapers, internet and television.

The sponsors, supporters and organizers of the meeting will be honored by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and His Excellency Eng. Ali I. Al-Naimi the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.