Symposium scientific themes include :

• Atmosphere-Hydrosphere-Biosphere Interactions
• Novel Analytical Approaches
• Anthropogenic Environmental Perturbations
• Multi-tracer Approaches
• Contaminant Tracing & Remediation
• Forensic Biogeochemistry 
• Linkages of Biogeochemical Cycles
• Climate Reconstruction
• Isotope Geochemistry for Exploration
• Non-Traditional Isotopes
• Mass Independent Fractionation

During the meeting, we plan to have all oral presentations delivered to the entire group (i.e., no concurrent sessions) and to have dedicated time slots for poster presentations in order to promote interaction and dynamic exchange among research scientists, professors, students and manufacturer representatives.

Presentations

Oral presentations are limited to 15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions. Invited lectures will be 25 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions.

Computer and projection facilities will be available at the symposium room. We recommend that speakers bring a copy of their presentation on a CD or USB-memory stick.

Poster format

(Details will be provided later)

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Pre-symposium field trip : Sunday, August 30, 2009

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Québec fortified City: Geological and Historical Heritage

5-km tour in Old Quebec presenting an overview of Earth Sciences through the landscapes of the Quebec City area and an explanation of Quebec City’s historic sites and fortifications. An outreach activity that aims at promoting the natural and hitorical heritage of the Québec City area.

Mid-symposium field trip : Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The mid-conference field trip will be guided by Drs. L. Nadeau and S. Castonguay from the Geological Survey of Canada. They will discuss the evolution of the Laurentian and Appalachian orogens, and the large meteoritic impact in Charlevoix, and take the participants along the St-Lawrence River, from Pointe-au-Pic to Tadoussac.

PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR ACCOMPANYING MEMBERS:

The organizing committee has developed a diversified program for accompanying members and their families attending the AIG 8 conference.  Our proposed series of visits will capture the best of Old Québec culture and Charlevoix nature and will leave a lasting impression on you. Be prepared for memorable tours and captivating sceneries!

The program can be modified according to the meteorological conditions, the number of participants, and their preferences.  Transportation for the proposed activities is included.  Lunch for the mid-symposium fieldtrip and all evening group activities are included.  Other costs are at the charge of the participants.

Monday, August 31, 2009: Hiking in the Parc national des Grands-Jardins, Saint-Urbain, Charlevoix.

This exceptional national park located at the heart of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve is recognized by UNESCO as an exceptional natural site.  The hike up the Mont du Lac des Cygnes, approximately 1:30 hour, is a must. At the top, you will have an appreciation of the tundra and taïga environments of Québec North and of the spectacular 360° view of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains and the Charlevoix meteorite crater.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009: A day of sightseeing and shopping in Old Québec

Québec City has celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008 and is the only city in North America with intact fortification walls, which is why it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  During your tour of Old Québec, its rich French and British heritage will be evidenced in the architecture of Place-Royale, the Dufferin Terrace, the Old Port, and the Château Frontenac, among others.  You can visit various museums, and you can shop, dine, take photographs or just stroll and soak up the ambiance.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009: Mid-symposium fieldtrip with AIG 8 participants

Join the AIG 8 participants for the mid-symposium fieldtrip that will explain the geological history of the Charlevoix region.  Learn more on the formation of the Grenvillian and Appalachian provinces, and the Charlevoix meteorite impact.

Thursday, September 3, 2009: A day in Baie-Saint-Paul: A town with a rich cultural heritage

Many famous painters have been inspired by the town of Baie-Saint-Paul: the mountains, the St. Lawrence River, the vast landscape, the charming villages and the special quality of colors.  Clarence Gagnon, A.Y. Jackson, Jean-Paul Lemieux, Marc-Aurèle Fortin et René Richard all have spent some time in the region to capture the beauty of its varied sceneries. Today, the cultural life is still buzzing in Baie-Saint-Paul with its numerous art galleries, and its contemporary art museum.

Friday, September 4, 2009: Free day at La Malbaie

For your last day with the AIG-8 conference, you can enjoy the many facilities at the Manoir Richelieu.  You can enjoy indoors and outdoors pools and whirlpools, trekking, horse-back riding, bike paths, golf, spa, Kid’s Club for children from 4 to 12 years old, etc.  Your last day in Charlevoix can be as dynamic or as relaxing as you want it to be…

SCHEDULE