SPONSORS
 
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS),
Astrogeology Science Center
Universities Space Research Association
(USRA)/ Lunar and Planetary
Institute (LPI)
National Cave and Karst Research Institute
NASA Mars Program Office

CONVENERS
 
Timothy N. Titus
U.S. Geological Survey
Penelope J. Boston
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology/National Cave and
Karst Research Institute

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
 
Timothy N. Titus
U.S. Geological Survey
Penelope J. Boston
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology/National Cave and
Karst Research Institute
Kaj E. Williams,
Bay Area Environmental Research Institute
 
 


Image credits:

J. Werker in entrance crawl to Cueva de las Barrancas, courtesy of
V. Hildreth-Werker; cave pearl nest in Lower Cave, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, courtesy of K. Ingham.

Second Announcement — June 2011

 

Purpose and Scope

The First International Planetary Cave Research Workshop is a follow-up to the 2008 Lava Tube Workshop held in Grant, New Mexico, which brought together researchers with interests in lava tubes from diverse backgrounds, ranging from image analysis to modeling to robotics.

This workshop is the first in a continuing series of meetings that are intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas between planetary and terrestrial scientists interested in cave exploration and research across the solar system. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or field experience is strongly encouraged.

The workshop will incorporate oral and poster presentations as well as extended discussion dispersed around a one-day field trip to local caves. The workshop will bring together researchers with interests in planetary caves from diverse backgrounds in image analysis, modeling, and terrestrial analog studies. A small group setting will facilitate intensive discussion of problems and issues in an attempt to identify the most promising approaches to understanding these cave systems and to develop a collaborative interdisciplinary research agenda.

Meeting Location and Date

The First International Planetary Cave Research Workshop:  Implications for Astrobiology, Climate, Detection, and Exploration will be held October 25–28, 2011, at the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, 400-1 Cascades Avenue, Carlsbad, NM 88220 USA (phone:  575-887-5518). The workshop will also include a one-day field trip.

Meeting Themes and Format

General Themes


Meeting Format

Tuesday, October 25 Oral presentations and evening poster session and reception
Wednesday, October 26 Field trip to local caves
Thursday, October 27 Oral presentations
Friday, October 28 (half-day) Oral presentations, discussion of priorities, wrap-up

 

Call for Abstracts

Abstract Deadline — Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)

Preparation and Submission of Abstracts

Step 1:  Download the appropriate template

Step 2:  Write your abstract (no more than two pages) using the format shown in the template

Step 3:  Create a PDF file (no larger than 1.5 MB)

Step 4:  Fill out the electronic abstract submission form and upload your abstract file

Authors are encouraged to start the submission process early so our staff will have time to provide assistance in the event of technical problems. For technical assistance, contact Linda Tanner (281-486-2142) or Renée Dotson (281-486-2188), or send an e-mail message to [email protected].

Unable to Produce PDF Files?   If you are unable to produce a PDF file, you may send your source file (must be in Word or PostScript format) to the LPI no later than August 2, 2011. We will create the PDF file and send it back to you, but it will still be your responsibility to submit that PDF file by the time of the deadline. Source files should be sent to [email protected].

Accommodations

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and hotel reservations. For your convenience, a list of area hotels is provided along with their distance from the workshop venue.

Registration

Through September 23, 2011 $325.00 professionals; $275.00 students
September 24–October 11, 2011 $375.00 professionals; $325.00 students

No onsite registration will be available.

Credit card registrations:  Participants registering by credit card MUST use the secure electronic registration form.

Other methods of payment:  Those registering using any other method of payment (check, money order, traveler’s check, or wire transfer) must contact the LPI Meeting Registrar for detailed instructions.

Note:  We now have a third-party payment page available. Participants required to register using a third party (e.g., SATERN for NASA civil servants) may still register in advance using the electronic registration form. The confirmation
e-mail you receive after registering will include payment instructions to submit to the third party. Please be aware, however, that your registration will not be considered complete until the funds have been received.

Cancellations:  Requests for cancellation with a fee refund (less a $25.00 processing fee) will only be accepted through October 11, 2011. Those who fail to attend and do not notify the LPI prior to the October 11 deadline will forfeit their full fee.

Student Travel Assistance

The NASA Mars Program Office has announced that travel funding will be made available for as many as four students who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, with Mars-related interests, to attend this workshop. An application must be submitted by August 31, 2011, to be considered for this funding. NASA Headquarters will make the selections and students will be notified no later than September 20, 2011.

Reimbursable costs include transportation (airfare, mileage to/from airport, parking, rental car) and lodging/per diem allowance. In most cases, actual expenses will exceed the funding provided.

Note:  Students who are depending on travel assistance should not pay the registration fee or make travel arrangements until they have been notified that they have received an award. If you are requesting funds to travel to the meeting from outside the U.S., you should also wait to register until you have successfully completed NASA’s foreign travel approval process. Failure to comply with this requirement may prohibit reimbursement.

Travel costs up to $800.00 plus the student registration fees will be reimbursed according to JPL/government-specified allowances. For reference, hotel/per diem rates can be found at www.gsa.gov (see per diem).

Eligibility:

Students wishing to apply for this assistance must submit the electronic student travel funding application form by August 31, 2011.

Interested students with questions are encouraged to contact Charles Budney (Mars Program Office, [email protected] or 818-354-3981).

Contacts

For further information regarding the scientific content of the meeting:

Dr. Timothy N. Titus
USGS Astrogeology Science Center
Phone:928-556-7201
E-mail:  [email protected]

For further information regarding meeting logistics:

Kira Honnoll
Meeting and Publication Services
Universities Space Research Association (USRA)/
Lunar and Planetary Institute
Phone:  281-244-2011
E-mail:  [email protected]

For further information regarding abstract submission or registration:

Linda Tanner
Meeting and Publication Services
Universities Space Research Association (USRA)/
Lunar and Planetary Institute
Phone:  281-486-2142
E-mail:  [email protected]

Schedule

Abstract deadline August 9, 2011
Final announcement with program and abstracts posted on this website September 9, 2011
Deadline for registration at reduced rate September 23, 2011
First International Planetary Cave Research Workshop:  Implications for Astrobiology, Climate, Detection, and Exploration in Carlsbad, New Mexico October 25–28, 2011