Final Report of the Bucharest Student Chapter of AAPG - geo.edu.ro

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>’s <strong>Final</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 

<strong>of</strong> 

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> 

Navigation 

- Useful hyperlinks to direct <strong>the</strong> reader to specific articles (table <strong>of</strong> contents and within <strong>the</strong> 

report) 

Recommendation 

- This report <strong>of</strong>fers our vision on local operations <strong>of</strong> a student chapter 

- We recommend reading all articles within <strong>the</strong> report for a better understanding (extended 

versions) 

- We believe that <strong>the</strong> information posted could be necessary for o<strong>the</strong>r chapters by showing how 

we started, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> projects and examples <strong>of</strong> inter-society collaborations. 

Fig.1. BSC team in Leaota Field Trip 

For more information we invite you to: 

- contact us on: 

bsc_aapg@yahoo.com or bsc@<strong>geo</strong>.<strong>edu</strong>.ro 

- visit us: 

www.<strong>geo</strong>.<strong>edu</strong>.ro/bsc/en or <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>



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Table <strong>of</strong> Contents 

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3 

1.1. <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> ...................................................................................................... 3 

1.2. Main Results ............................................................................................................................ 4 

1.3. The 2009 – 2010 SC Leadership Committee ........................................................................... 5 

2. Collaborations ................................................................................................................................ 7 

3. Activities ....................................................................................................................................... 10 

3.1. Meetings ................................................................................................................................... 10 

3.2. Chronological activities .......................................................................................................... 12 

3.2.1. Field Camp – Leaota Mountains (Summer) ...................................................................... 12 

3.2.2. <strong>AAPG</strong>’s 3 rd Annual SCLS and 29 th Annual Leadership Conference ................................. 13 

3.2.3. Youth in Action – Kogayon .............................................................................................. 15 

3.2.4. SEG Distinguished Lecturer: Craig Beasley ..................................................................... 16 

3.2.5. The SLS program - SEG International Exposition and 79 th Annual Meeting ................... 16 

3.2.6. Field Trip – Leaota Mountains (Autumn) ......................................................................... 18 

3.2.7. The Geology and Geophysics <strong>Student</strong>’s Day .................................................................... 19 

3.2.8. <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Annual Conference, Paris, Malmaison ............................................................ 20 

3.2.9. Field Trip – Bucegi Mountains ......................................................................................... 21 

3.2.10. BSC’s Christmas Reception – 10 years Anniversary ........................................................ 22 

3.2.11. EAGE online Geo-quiz ..................................................................................................... 22 

3.2.12. <strong>AAPG</strong> ER IBA and SYPC meeting, Prague ..................................................................... 22 

3.2.13. Field Trip – Ocnele Mari ................................................................................................... 23 

3.2.14. The Educational Fair ......................................................................................................... 24 

3.2.15. The “Geoecologia” Symposium – Petrosani ..................................................................... 25 

3.2.16. The 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference ..................... 26 

3.2.17. Field Trip – Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Dobrogea ........................................................................................ 28 

3.2.18. Visit to an onshore drilling well ........................................................................................ 29 

3.2.19. Field Trip – Volcanology and Sedimentology in Eastern Carpathians ............................. 30 

3.2.20. The 72 nd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition........................................................... 32 

4. Activities Stories (extended) ....................................................................................................... 34 

4.1. The 1 st International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference ............................................................ 34 

4.2. The 10 th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> ............................................................... 39 

5. The InfoBSC Newsletter & <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Newsletter collaboration ........................................... 40 

6. The Headquarters, BSC Library (<strong>the</strong> Bookshop Gift) and Info Boards ................................ 41 

7. In <strong>the</strong> Future ................................................................................................................................ 43 

8. The Lake Austin Weeks Grant from <strong>AAPG</strong> ............................................................................. 45 

9. The 2010 – 2011 SC Leadership Committee ............................................................................. 46 

10. Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... 47 

*Page number = hyperlink



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1. Introduction 

1.1. What is BSC <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>? 

The <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> (BSC) <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> is a student association with scientific 

pr<strong>of</strong>ile, affiliated to <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Geology and Geophysics, which was 

founded in 1999. Its activities are performed under <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> and its internal 

organization is according to <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> Bylaws for student chapters. The BSC activities are 

supervised by our faculty <strong>of</strong>ficials and guaranteed to <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> by our Faculty Advisor, Pr<strong>of</strong>. 

Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu, our Faculty Co-Sponsor, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Ovidiu Dragastan and accredited by 

our Faculty’s Dean, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Victor Mocanu (SEG chapter Advisor). 

What is NEW about BSC? 

Starting from this year we have found <strong>the</strong> perfect solution to integrate <strong>the</strong> existing 

chapters from <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE within one single organization: <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> 

<strong>Chapter</strong>. Why? Most <strong>of</strong> our members are active in all three and in <strong>the</strong> last years we did more 

and more collaborations, giving opportunities for a wide range <strong>of</strong> students from undergraduate, 

to MScs, and PhDs. What else? The amazing advantage that students have is that under this 

condition we can make even better projects, get more and easier funding for <strong>the</strong>m, have a 

broader choice <strong>of</strong> student programs and interact as a whole and unique group, where 

friendship is a virtue. 

The new thing? The <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE chapters will act as divisions <strong>of</strong> BSC 

becoming truly pr<strong>of</strong>essional chapters that are focusing primarily on developing high standard 

programs with specific targets (Petroleum <strong>geo</strong>sciences, Geophysics, and, respectively, 

Geosciences & Engineering), still holding <strong>the</strong>ir own leadership committee. In this case, <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> will take <strong>the</strong> mission to ga<strong>the</strong>r students, to teach and train <strong>the</strong>m, to 

train <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional life and <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> opportunity to become involved with 

<strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE. The leadership <strong>of</strong> BSC will coincide with one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chapters 

committee, changing yearly, <strong>the</strong> latter having <strong>the</strong> main role in coordinating it. 

Conclusion: collaboration based projects between <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE chapters 

is a must in <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional development <strong>of</strong> students. Our <strong>AAPG</strong> members will sure benefit 

from all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se.



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What are <strong>the</strong> objectives? 

- Developing better pr<strong>of</strong>essional aspects 

- Offering <strong>the</strong> students a wider and high quality programs 

- Promoting scientific research to students, providing advices, research <strong>the</strong>mes, logistics to help 

<strong>the</strong>m present <strong>the</strong>ir paper at national and international congresses, seminars, etc. 

- Organizing conferences, <strong>the</strong>matic workshops or help by volunteering 

- Field trips: more and better targeted in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>sciences 

- Industry vs. Academia Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional lectures and a YP chapter 

- Projects with national and international collaboration (Romanian and foreign chapters) 

- Good cooperation with <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE 

1.2. Main results 

Hard work during this year will be explained fur<strong>the</strong>r through numerous 

activities. From twice a month meetings, field trips, collaboration projects, 

conference participations, to <strong>the</strong> great involvement <strong>of</strong> students, to have <strong>the</strong>m 

become members <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE, enrolled students in <strong>AAPG</strong> 

and SEG committees. On top <strong>of</strong> all, we are very pleased to place our greatest 

achievement in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>geo</strong>sciences and industry 

cooperation: “<strong>the</strong> First <strong>Student</strong> Expo outside US”, entitled 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE 

International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conferences (IGSC), 22 – 24 April, <strong>Bucharest</strong>, 

Romania. (see pages 26 and 34) 

Its aspects will be discussed later on in <strong>the</strong> report, but <strong>the</strong> main part is that “it was studentenvisioned, 

constructed and implemented!” acquiring programs from all three associations and 

developing our own. It has been <strong>the</strong> best interaction with <strong>the</strong> Industry, organizing an 

International Job Fair, and as well with <strong>the</strong> Academia, having a National and International 

Symposiums, Lecturer Tours (VGP, DL and SLT) SEG programs (SEP and Challenge 

Bowl), Networking Events and a Field Trip. 

This wouldn’t have been possible without <strong>the</strong> major assistance and funding from <strong>AAPG</strong>’s, 

SEG’s and EAGE’s Foundations, <strong>the</strong> Sponsor Companies, <strong>the</strong> significant help from our 

Faculty’s Dean and pr<strong>of</strong>essors, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> Romanian Geological Society and Romanian 

Geophysical Society. 

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important reactions from this Conference is planning <strong>the</strong> 2 nd IGSC in 

Krakow, Poland, on July 2011.



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O<strong>the</strong>r results in 2009 – 2010 

- Petroleum training program: fortunately with <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> ER funding program our 

<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> is climbing one more step towards <strong>the</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> developing a more facile 

petroleum <strong>geo</strong>logy based <strong>edu</strong>cation - > doors are beginning to open; 

- Imperial Barrel Award Team: <strong>the</strong> first IBA team will be ready to compete in 2010 – 2011 

contest; 

- Field trips: about 7 practical <strong>geo</strong>logical trips were organized by BSC members, 3 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m 

funded entirely by <strong>the</strong> chapter with <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> L. Austin Grant; 

- National and International participations: our members attended with success different 

National and International Conferences, Workshops, Symposiums, ei<strong>the</strong>r by presenting <strong>the</strong>ir 

paper (oral or poster) or simply by volunteering and program participations; 

- InfoBSC & <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Newsletters: <strong>the</strong> 4 th number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> InfoBSC has been printed and 

sent out in <strong>the</strong> world to tell <strong>the</strong> stories <strong>of</strong> BSC members and <strong>the</strong>ir activity; also we started 

sending articles for <strong>the</strong> ER Newsletter; 

- Industry vs. Academia lecture series (VGP): <strong>the</strong> lectures are essentials for student 

pr<strong>of</strong>essional building, setting <strong>the</strong> field for a Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Chapter</strong> in <strong>Bucharest</strong> in 2011; 

- Headquarter and info boards: to work properly we continue to improve our HQ with IT 

facilities and to use all means <strong>of</strong> promoting to students what BSC, <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE 

have to <strong>of</strong>fer; 

1.3. The 2009-2010 SC Leadership Committee 

The 2009 - 2010 committee for BSC <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, which is <strong>the</strong> same with <strong>the</strong> general chapter, is 

<strong>the</strong> following: 

Position Name E-mail Member 

Number 

President Andrei PANAIOTU panaiotu.andrei@gmail.com 10042120 

Vice- 

Diana CIOBANETE ciobanete.diana@gmail.com 10053862 

President 

Secretary Georgiana POPESCU <strong>geo</strong>rgiannapopescu@yahoo.com 10053861 

Treasurer Alina LIHACIU lihaciualina@yahoo.com 10053869



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Members <strong>of</strong> BSC with important functions 

- Florentina Enea: <strong>Student</strong> Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> for Eastern Europe 

- Cezar Iacob: Membership Committee and Committee for University and <strong>Student</strong> Programs <strong>of</strong> 

SEG 

- Andrei Panaiotu: Grants-in-Aid Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> 

All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m are former presidents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> SC 

Andrei Panaiotu 

Diana Ciobănete 

Georgiana Popescu 

Alina Lihaciu 

Faculty Advisor: 

Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu 

Faculty sponsor: 

Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Ovidiu Dragastan



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2. Collaboration 

This issue will be treated here more like a general subject, being detailed more in <strong>the</strong> rest 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report. 

We see <strong>the</strong> collaboration, at student’s level, <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG, and EAGE with <strong>the</strong> University 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> through our student chapters. We express our commitment to each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m 

separately and also through <strong>the</strong> joint projects out <strong>of</strong> which our members and <strong>the</strong> local 

communities have big benefits. 

Reading our reports you will see a critical period about 5 years ago from which <strong>the</strong> better 

cooperation with <strong>the</strong>se Associations proved to be crucial up till now. We owe to <strong>the</strong>se 

collaborations <strong>the</strong> International recognition granted to our chapter and also to our members: 

Honorable Mention in 2008 and <strong>the</strong> Outstanding International <strong>Chapter</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> in 

2009, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most active SEG <strong>Student</strong> Sections and EAGE’s as well, not to forget also to 

credit <strong>the</strong> students that are enrolled in <strong>AAPG</strong>’s and SEG’s Committees. 

The best example <strong>of</strong> a joint project was <strong>the</strong> 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE International 

Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference (IGSC), in <strong>Bucharest</strong>, Romania. It wouldn’t have been 

done without <strong>the</strong> approximately 70 students that worked on organizing from all 3 chapters and 

without <strong>the</strong> programs implemented by <strong>the</strong>se Associations. In addition, we also benefited from 

<strong>the</strong> support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Romanian Geological and Geophysical Societies, obtaining a bonding with 

our <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>, important for future projects. 

Collaboration with <strong>AAPG</strong> 

It started in 1999 with <strong>the</strong> chapter’s founding and <strong>the</strong> only source <strong>of</strong> sponsorship 

was through Lake Austin Undergraduate and <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>’s Grant <strong>of</strong> 1000 $ a 

year. The funds were used in organizing field trips and covering HQ expenses and 

<strong>the</strong>y are still used in <strong>the</strong> same way. Below you’ll find more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> older 

associations with <strong>AAPG</strong>: 

- Sponsorship <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Symposium <strong>of</strong> Geology and Geophysics <strong>Student</strong>s: 2001 and 2007; 

it is organized yearly by BSC, Iasi SC and Cluj SC <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, our chapter being <strong>the</strong> first one in 

2001 

- Volunteer program at <strong>the</strong> Annual Convention & Exhibition <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, A<strong>the</strong>ns “Challenge our 

myths” 2007: 10 students attended 

- <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> Meeting in Prague organized along IBA Regional Contest: 2008 and 2009 

- 2 nd SCLS and Leadership Days <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> in 2008, Denver, US 

- Florentina Enea nominated in <strong>Student</strong> Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> for Eastern 

Europe



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During 2009 – 2010 

- 3 rd SCLS and Leadership Days <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2009 (see page 13) 

- <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Annual Conference, Paris, France, 2009 (see page 20) 

- <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> Meeting in Prague and IBA Regional Contest: March 2010 (see page 22) 

- 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE IGSC, <strong>Bucharest</strong>, April 2010 (see pages 26 and 34) 

- VGP: Herman Darman (Shell): “Carrers in Petroleum Industry” 

- Petroleum training program: <strong>AAPG</strong> ER student chapter funding – 2010 (see page 29) 

- SC Bookshop Gift (see page 41) 

- Panaiotu Andrei elected for Grants-in-Aid Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> 

Collaboration with SEG 

The University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> SEG <strong>Student</strong> Section was founded in 1997. 

Throughout <strong>the</strong>se years, BSC had many collaboration projects with it, 

deciding on this basis to combine our efforts for bigger actions in order to 

obtain grater achievements and more opportunities for our members. The 

activities started to grow, to have a joint connotation with BSC <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> since 2005 and, later, 

also with EAGE. Activities such as: Conference participations, Project <strong>of</strong> Special Merit (2006, 

2007, 2008), Lecturer Tours, etc. 

2009 – 2010 projects: 

- SLS toge<strong>the</strong>r with SEG International Exposition and 79th Annual Meeting, Houston 2009 ( 16) 

- Distinguished Lecture Program: Craig Beasley, October 2009 (see page 16) 


- DL: Jose Carcione: “Physics and Simulation <strong>of</strong> Waves for Exploration and Environmental 

Geosciences” 

- SEG/ExxonMobil <strong>Student</strong> Education Program (SEP) and SEG Challenge Bowl at IGSC 

Collaboration with EAGE 

The EAGE student chapter formed in 2007, however, our members benefited from 

<strong>the</strong>ir combined programs with SEG and <strong>AAPG</strong>, such as <strong>Student</strong> Lecture Tour. Attending 

EAGE’s Annual Conferences, every year since <strong>the</strong>n, has been made 

possible by our student ambitions, but also by <strong>the</strong> good <strong>Student</strong> Programs 

that <strong>the</strong>y have, <strong>of</strong>fering travel Grants for students with papers or for 

attendance at some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir programs such as SEG’s SEP. 

- EAGE’s Online Geo-quiz competition: 1 st place, receiving 3 travel grants for Barcelona (page 

2009 – 2010 projects: 

22) 


- SLT: Pascal Breton: “What is <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> energy after <strong>the</strong> world oil production peaks?” 

- 72 nd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 2009, Barcelona, Spain (see page 32)



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Collaboration with Kogayon 

As it is already known, BSC has had a long collaboration with <strong>the</strong> 

Kogayon NGO, which was founded in 2003 by students <strong>of</strong> our faculty, 

most <strong>of</strong> which are still members <strong>of</strong> BSC. One BSC member, PhD Florin 

Stoican is <strong>the</strong> president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> association. Today, <strong>the</strong> association has over 

150 members, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m <strong>geo</strong>sciences students. 

The Kogayon activity is focused on <strong>the</strong> „Buila-Vanturarita‟ National Park, which 

Kogayon Association founded in 2004. Buila Vanturarita Massif is a 4500 ha mountain with a 

lot <strong>of</strong> rarities among animals, plants and <strong>geo</strong>morphology sites. The BSC has developed a 

collaboration with this association with <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> enlarging <strong>the</strong> research activities in <strong>the</strong> 

protected area and implementing <strong>geo</strong>-conservation and <strong>geo</strong>-diversity programs. We already had 

field trips in <strong>the</strong> park and developed a few diploma <strong>the</strong>ses on <strong>the</strong> Buila Mountain’s <strong>geo</strong>logy. 

In 2009 – 2010, BSC members initialized and help coordinating also international 

projects which involved youth exchanges in cultural, volunteering and environmental <strong>edu</strong>cation. 

(see page 15) 

Collaboration with SGR and SRG 

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most desired bonding would be with <strong>the</strong> Romanian Geological Society 

(SGR) and <strong>the</strong> Geophysics Society <strong>of</strong> Romania (SRG) in order to become student or young 

pr<strong>of</strong>essional members, thus having <strong>the</strong> premise for developing an YPC in <strong>the</strong> future. The 

cooperation has been facilitated by <strong>the</strong> involvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2 societies in <strong>the</strong> 1 st 

SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE IGSC organized by BSC. They helped us, also, in <strong>the</strong> past, but it wasn’t 

<strong>the</strong> perfect setting for it. Now, with <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>’s Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional programs, we are good to 

start preparing.



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3. Activities 

In this section, we will discuss about our activities in a little more detail, a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m 

being already reminded in <strong>the</strong> beginning chapters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Report</strong>. Most <strong>of</strong> our activities this year 

were directed towards building <strong>the</strong> plan for IGSC, implementing it and informing all interested 

about what has taken place in April. In <strong>the</strong>se conditions, we sacrificed many project to organize 

better <strong>the</strong> International Conference. 

To start: 

- Meetings and presentation sessions 

- Field trips: 7 field trips, 3 <strong>of</strong> which have been funded by <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> 

- Projects: in collaboration with SEG, <strong>AAPG</strong>, EAGE, Kogayon, SRG and SGR 

- Research work in collaboration with our pr<strong>of</strong>essors in <strong>the</strong> BSC <strong>of</strong>fice and in <strong>the</strong> laboratories 

- Organizing and attending Conferences, Symposiums 

- Editorial activities: InfoBSC Newsletter, website and facebook 

- HQ, Library and Info boards management 

3.1. Meetings and presentations sessions 

• October 7 th , 2009: In <strong>the</strong> first 

meeting, <strong>the</strong> new committee <strong>of</strong>ficers 

put up a special presentation, in 

which <strong>the</strong>y tried to show, in <strong>the</strong> best 

way possible, what <strong>AAPG</strong> means, 

what are <strong>the</strong> advantages <strong>of</strong> being an 

<strong>AAPG</strong> member and what is a student 

chapter; Panaiotu Andrei presented 

<strong>the</strong> SCLS and Leadership Days at 

which he attended in August 2009 

(fig.1); <strong>the</strong> last part included <strong>the</strong> 

introduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mineralogy 

student group by Lect. Dr. Denisa 

Jianu; 

• October 22 nd , 2009: 

- “The <strong>geo</strong>logy and <strong>geo</strong>morphology <strong>of</strong> 

Fig.2. Andrei Panaiotu presenting <strong>AAPG</strong> programs 

on his first meeting 

carstic domains” – Conf. Dr. Doru Badescu: <strong>the</strong> 2 hour presentation session took place every 

week for one month 

- “The Astronomy” – <strong>Student</strong> Dragos Mitrica 

- Presenting <strong>the</strong> activities to be happening in autumn 

- First presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference: 

organizing teams and ga<strong>the</strong>ring volunteers



11 

• November 4 th , 2009: 

- “The sedimentology and <strong>the</strong> taphonomy <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> Upper Jurassic rhynchonellid 

brachiopods assemblage from <strong>the</strong> National 

Park Bicaz Gorges-Hasmas” – Diana 

Ciobanete & Andrei Panaiotu – oral 

presentation for <strong>the</strong> National Symposium 

- Leaota Mountains – BSC Field Trip: 

announcement and discussions 

- Open discussion on <strong>AAPG</strong> membership 

- Geoscientists Without Borders: PhD 

student Cezar Iacob – coordinator (fig.3) 

• November 19 th , 2009: 

- Presenting <strong>the</strong> feedback <strong>of</strong> 1 st and 2 nd year 

students from <strong>the</strong> field trip 

Fig.3. Cezar Iacob presenting GWB and <strong>the</strong> 

- The Department <strong>of</strong> Geological Engineering – 

domains, future research areas, opportunities 

methodologies to be used 

in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> Near Surface Engineering: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Daniel Scradeanu 

• December 3 rd , 2009: 

- “<strong>AAPG</strong> European Region Annual Conference – Paris 23-24 November 2009”: from a 

student’s point <strong>of</strong> view, presenting <strong>the</strong> program, <strong>geo</strong>logical trends, technical sessions, <strong>the</strong> 

participation <strong>of</strong> BSC and future plans derived from it 

- “Geophysical methods in <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> impacts craters” – Ms student Cosmin Cretu 

• January 14 th , 2010: 

- “Alternative energetic resources” Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu – <strong>AAPG</strong> Faculty advisor: 

presenting <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> oil, unconventional resources (gas shale, gas hydrates) and also his 

point <strong>of</strong> view over <strong>the</strong> Annual Conference <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> 

- About 1 st SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE IGSC – ano<strong>the</strong>r campaign <strong>of</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>ring volunteers 

• February 25 th , 2010: 

- “Multidisciplinary research in Oase cave” – Dr. Silviu Constantin: results <strong>of</strong> analyses from <strong>the</strong> 

oldest modern human in Europe, aprox. 40.000 BC 

• March 25 th , 2010: 

- Relocation <strong>of</strong> Atlantis old continent: Pannonian Basin – Dr. Mircea Ticleanu 

- Sedimentology debate: coordinated by Dr. Relu Roban 

• May 6 th , 2010: 

- Environmental Virtual Seminar – Lect. Dr. Alexandrau Andrasanu and PhD Izabela Maris 

- Volcanology (Romanian Carpathians) – Dr. Ioan Seghedi, Institute <strong>of</strong> Geodynamics 

- Paleomagnetic studies on Eastern Carpathians volcanism – Conf. Dr. Cristian Panaiotu 

- Spring – BSC Field Trip on volcanology and sedimentology



12 

3.2. Chronological activities 

3.2.1. Field Camp - Leaota Mountains, a traditional summer <strong>geo</strong>logical 

trip 

The July field camp in Leaota Mountains is a traditional <strong>geo</strong>logical excursion where Dr. 

Denisa Jianu takes <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd year students to teach <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> practical techniques used in 

<strong>geo</strong>logical mapping and observation <strong>of</strong> petrographic characteristics. BSC members have a long 

cooperation with Dr. Jianu and are helping here every year with <strong>the</strong> younger students. 

Fig.4. Observation techniques 

This year, 5 members went on a 

trip to study <strong>the</strong> petrographic and 

tectonic complex from Busteni (deep 

water shales and turbidites), up to Vf. 

Omu peak (2505 m) passing <strong>the</strong> Fan 

(Gilbert) Delta that was active in Aptian 

– Albian period. It’s composed from 

conglomerates and channels <strong>of</strong> 

sandstone with a big number <strong>of</strong> 

metamorphic and limestone clasts. We 

traced back <strong>the</strong> clasts reaching Strunga 

area, a big limestone ridge (reef). From 

<strong>the</strong>re we passed on Leaota Mt. (2100 m) 

where <strong>the</strong> basement was encountered, 

being also a source area for <strong>the</strong> Bucegi 

conglomerates. 

Arriving at <strong>the</strong> base camp we explained 

to students <strong>the</strong> tectonic setting and how we 

passed from <strong>the</strong> shelf’s margin, to inner shelf, 

a reef structure, on <strong>the</strong> metamorphic domain 

acting like a source for <strong>the</strong> sedimentary rocks. 

The debate and feedback <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> younger 

members was excellent and we’re very pleased 

that we brought something more to complete 

<strong>the</strong>ir knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area. 

Fig.5. Bucegi Mountains – <strong>the</strong> Limestone ridge



13 

3.2.2. <strong>AAPG</strong>’s 3 rd Annual SCLS and 29 th Annual Leadership Conference 

As a result <strong>of</strong> last year’s activity, ano<strong>the</strong>r 

president, Andrei Panaiotu, represented <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> SC, for <strong>the</strong> second year in a 

row, at <strong>the</strong> 3 rd 

Annual <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> 

Leadership Symposium and <strong>the</strong> 29 th 

Annual 

Leadership Conference <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, both taking 

place in Tulsa, in August 2009. He was invited 

to tell <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r chapter leaders how BSC has 

won <strong>the</strong> Outstanding International <strong>Chapter</strong> <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>AAPG</strong> in 2009. The reason stands exactly in 

<strong>the</strong> collaboration that we have with SEG and 

EAGE chapters. 

Fig.6. <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> Leaders at SCLS 

“I get to meet a lot <strong>of</strong> interesting people, all <strong>geo</strong>scientists, ei<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> Industry or in 

Universities, which also have an important function in <strong>AAPG</strong>, such as: former presidents Will 

Green, Scot Tinker, <strong>the</strong> actual president John Lorenz, also Rick Fritz, David Cook and David 

Rensink. However, <strong>the</strong> place where I felt <strong>the</strong> best was at SCLS with its committee and with <strong>the</strong> 

o<strong>the</strong>r students. I would like to acknowledge Mike Mlyneck, Brian McBroom and from <strong>the</strong> 

students, Ben Kihlams from Aberdeen, for being very close even now” said Andrei. 

This year’s SCLS got toge<strong>the</strong>r 15 students and young pr<strong>of</strong>essionals; 8 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were 

from <strong>the</strong> US, representing 4 Sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> (Pacific, Southwest, Eastern and Mid-continent) 

and <strong>the</strong> rest counted 7 foreign countries, representing 5 Regions <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> (Europe, Asia - 

Pacific, Middle East, Canada, and Latin America). (fig.3) 

Goals: 

• Better view <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> and <strong>AAPG</strong> Programs 

• Networking and communication 

• <strong>AAPG</strong> <strong>Student</strong> membership and <strong>Student</strong> 

chapter issues 

Discussions: 

• Imperial Barrel Award 

• <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> Bylaws 

• Formalizing <strong>the</strong> annual student chapter report 

• Bridging <strong>the</strong> gap between <strong>Student</strong>s and YPs 

• Accountability and Leadership skills 

• Industry Panel 

• Leadership Days 

Fig.7. At <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> Office in Tulsa 

• Involvement <strong>of</strong> students in chapters and <strong>AAPG</strong> 

• Reviews from <strong>the</strong> 2 Outstanding <strong>Chapter</strong>s in 2009 and from Aberdeen University 

• Better communication with chapters and advertise; online solutions



14 

Personal Review 

The first interaction with <strong>AAPG</strong> led to a great life and knowledge experience. The 

people behind SCLS made it all possible for us to get <strong>the</strong> real view <strong>of</strong> what <strong>AAPG</strong> means and 

also to get integrated among <strong>AAPG</strong> Leaders, Officers, Staff and Members at <strong>the</strong> Leadership 

Conference. 

Good records: bringing toge<strong>the</strong>r different cultures and academic characteristics, joining 

<strong>the</strong> Leadership Conference, lifelong advises, open discussions, cheerful and enthusiastic 

people, great feedback on personal opinion, many issues solved in little time and probably 

many o<strong>the</strong>r. 

Future improvements at SCLS 

• Continuity 

• More members 

• Volunteers – student chapter members helping and getting <strong>the</strong>ir first view <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> 

• “Veterans” <strong>of</strong> SCLS at work for SCLS or LC – related to volunteers and continuity 

• More lectures and advises from Young Pros and Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> 

• New topics and also achieving <strong>the</strong> old ones 

“This was my first event <strong>of</strong> this type, my first visit to America, my first plane flight and o<strong>the</strong>r 

many firsts which made this trip to be a real life, personal and pr<strong>of</strong>essional experience”-Andrei 

Panaiotu 

Fig.8. John Lorenz, David Rensink and Paul Weimer – Key note 

speakers



15 

3.2.3. Youth in Action - project in collaboration with Kogayon 

Fig.9. YiA project participants 

During <strong>the</strong> 7-14th <strong>of</strong> October 2009, 6 members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>, 

members <strong>of</strong> Kogayon, have taken part in a Youth in Action project in collaboration with 

Kogayon NGO. The project was coordinated by Cezar Iacob, former president <strong>of</strong> BSC. The 

o<strong>the</strong>r participants were representatives <strong>of</strong> NGOs from Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Poland and 

Turkey. 

The aim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project, named European Youth Ranger, was to bring young people 

toge<strong>the</strong>r from <strong>the</strong> 6 countries, so that <strong>the</strong>y learn about <strong>the</strong> traditions, culture, and 

environmental protection. The activities were <strong>of</strong> informal learning trough games, creativity 

quests, teamwork and exploring nature. Two short trips have been made in <strong>the</strong> nearby natural 

park, Buila Vanturarita that is under Kogayon administration. Here, <strong>the</strong> young <strong>geo</strong>logists taught 

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs about <strong>the</strong> local <strong>geo</strong>logy, recognizing basic rocks, <strong>the</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mountains. 

The project was a true success and a great experience for all <strong>the</strong> participants, and we are 

happy especially because we got to teach o<strong>the</strong>rs about our biggest passion: <strong>geo</strong>logy.



16 

3.2.4. SEG Distinguished Lecturer: Craig Beasley – WesternGeco 

Quickly after starting <strong>the</strong> academic year, on 18 th <strong>of</strong> October, we were pleased to 

announce <strong>the</strong> students <strong>of</strong> a new Distinguished Lecturer from SEG, Mr. Craig Beasley. We had 

almost 30 students present at his course and, although it was technically advanced, <strong>the</strong>y had 

raised some interesting questions. 

In <strong>the</strong> first part he presented <strong>the</strong> Geoscience Without Boarder 

program from SEG, Founding Supporter Schlumberger, that aims to 

connect universities and industries with communities in need through 

projects using applied <strong>geo</strong>physics to benefit people and <strong>the</strong> 

environment around <strong>the</strong> world. In <strong>the</strong> second part, he opened <strong>the</strong> 

discussions on <strong>the</strong> achievements <strong>of</strong> SimSrc (Simultaneous Source) and 

<strong>the</strong> challenges that remain for both land and marine if it is to become a 

mainstream acquisition methodology. 

3.2.5. The SLS program - SEG International Exposition and 79 th 

Annual Meeting, Houston 2009 

The 2009 Annual Meeting 

<strong>of</strong> SEG took place in Houston, 

Texas. For <strong>the</strong> past 3 years we 

have had members <strong>of</strong> our 

universities’ SEG student section 

participating in this annual meeting. 

In 2009 <strong>the</strong>re have been two 

participants who represented <strong>the</strong> 

chapter. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m was <strong>the</strong> 

president <strong>of</strong> our SEG student 

chapter, Cezar Iacob, and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r 

one was <strong>the</strong> former president <strong>of</strong> 

BSC and present secretary <strong>of</strong> our 

SEG student section, Ioana Stan. 

Fig.10. The SLS training program



17 

Both Cezar and Ioana participated with papers in <strong>the</strong> poster section for students. 

Cezar‘s poster was named “The AMD and <strong>geo</strong>magnetic anomalies on mining waste deposits” 

and Ioana’s poster was called “Shallow seismic surveys in areas with waste dumps from 

Romania”. Both studies were part <strong>of</strong> an environmental project concerning areas with waste 

dumps in our country, in which several BSC members are involved. 

Ioana also participated in <strong>the</strong> SEG/Chevron <strong>Student</strong> Leadership Symposium, which is a 

two day program focused on developing leadership skills. The symposium is very well designed 

for stimulating leadership attributes in students. It is addressed to those students who have 

leadership positions within <strong>the</strong>ir universities’ SEG student chapters. The SEG, in association 

with Chevron, <strong>of</strong>fer 30 travel grants yearly in order to facilitate <strong>the</strong> students <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in 

<strong>the</strong> event. The travel grants include travelling and living costs for <strong>the</strong> two days <strong>of</strong> SEG/Chevron 

SLS and <strong>the</strong> following four days <strong>of</strong> SEG International Conference and Exhibition. 

The conference enabled <strong>the</strong>m to meet people and establish connections that were 

meant to help our university, chapter and students in <strong>the</strong> future. Cezar also attended several 

committee meetings, since he is a member <strong>of</strong> Membership Committee and Committee for 

University and <strong>Student</strong> Programs <strong>of</strong> SEG. 

Overall, our participation in <strong>the</strong> SEG annual meeting is a well-established tradition, 

which will surely go on, becoming even more active as new enthusiastic students join our 

<strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE chapters every year. 

Fig.11. At <strong>the</strong> SEG Annual Meeting



18 

3.2.6. Field Trip – Leaota Mountains 

It was <strong>the</strong> first big trip <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> academic year, taking place on <strong>the</strong> 7-9 th <strong>of</strong> November 2009 

and it was sponsored by <strong>the</strong> chapter through <strong>the</strong> L. Austin Grant. <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>. The main purpose 

was <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd year students to learn to recognize different types <strong>of</strong> rocks, petrological 

features, tectonic effects, being able in <strong>the</strong> end to map a certain area <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>logical interest. The 

older members were involved in assisting <strong>the</strong> students through <strong>the</strong>ir learning while enhancing 

<strong>the</strong>ir own field knowledge. 

Sites visited: 

- The Albesti Granite: a variety <strong>of</strong> Granite affected by low metamorphism rate (blue quartz) 

- Different types <strong>of</strong> metamorphism in rocks along Caselor Valey 

- The Jurassic/Cretaceous limit – carbonate rocks 

Fig.12. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Denisa Jianu explaining <strong>the</strong> 

morphology <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area 

Fig.13. Quartzite (slickenside and movement 

signs) 

Fig.14. The fractures system



19 

3.2.7. Geology and Geophysics <strong>Student</strong>’s Day 

The 11th Of November is considered to be <strong>the</strong> un<strong>of</strong>ficial day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>geo</strong>logy and 

<strong>geo</strong>physics students. The student chapter, in collaboration with ano<strong>the</strong>r student association 

have planned and organized a series <strong>of</strong> activities which had a primordial goal to promote <strong>the</strong> 

Faculty among high school students and o<strong>the</strong>r students, as well as blending <strong>the</strong> fun <strong>of</strong> 

celebrating our day, with <strong>geo</strong>logy. With that thought in our minds, <strong>the</strong> following sch<strong>edu</strong>le was 

developed and <strong>the</strong> day took <strong>the</strong> following shape: 

- Presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Faculty and <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> ZSGG 

- Debate: European <strong>Student</strong> vs. Romanian <strong>Student</strong> 

- Presentations and debates: 

1) The history <strong>of</strong> exploitation <strong>of</strong> native gold at Pianu de Sus, Romania 

2) The history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Earth 

3) Geological Hazards 

4) Geology: how do we use <strong>geo</strong>logy in everyday life 

5) Global warming 

Fig.15. How to use <strong>geo</strong>logy? 

Fig.16. Romanian vs. European student debate 

- A tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> faculty had taken place, where participants were shown our collections and 

different labs 

- Applied <strong>geo</strong>logy – exhibition with rocks and minerals, <strong>the</strong> <strong>geo</strong>logist’s equipment and its uses 

=> <strong>geo</strong>logical interpretation 

- Contest: Geology quiz - answer a few questions, linked to general <strong>geo</strong>logy and win lots <strong>of</strong> 

prizes 

- It all concluded with <strong>the</strong> closing gala and a short walk around <strong>the</strong> area to see <strong>geo</strong>logy at work 

in <strong>the</strong> city



20 

3.2.8. <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Annual Conference, Paris, Malmaison 2009 

The Annual European Region Conference was held at 

IFP in Rueil Malmaison, Paris on 23rd and 24th November. The 

topic this year was <strong>the</strong> revitalization <strong>of</strong> exploration in Europe with 

papers covering both conventional and unconventional oil and 

gas exploration throughout Europe. During <strong>the</strong> conference, <strong>the</strong> 

Annual General Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Region took place, <strong>the</strong> purpose 

<strong>of</strong> which has been to review <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past year, plans 

for next year and to provide an opportunity for <strong>the</strong> 

membership to ask questions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council. 

Fig.17. Sightseeing Paris - Moulin 

Rouge 

Fig.18. Presidents at work after <strong>the</strong> conference 

It was for <strong>the</strong> first time that BSC members 

attended an Annual ER Conference and it was 

with no plans in advance. Luckily, and we thank 

very much for <strong>the</strong> opportunity given, Petrom 

sponsored <strong>the</strong> trip for 2 students, Andrei Panaiotu 

and Cezar Iacob, toge<strong>the</strong>r with our faculty advisor, 

Pr<strong>of</strong>. Nicolae Anastasiu. We soon had come up 

with a plan not to miss this chance to get closer to 

<strong>AAPG</strong> and find out more about <strong>the</strong> programs so 

we can come back with a full package <strong>of</strong> 

knowledge. 

Plans: 

- see and take notes on <strong>the</strong> new ideas in European <strong>geo</strong>logy, especially new exploration areas 

- talk with President David Cook and <strong>the</strong> conference organizers about <strong>the</strong> International 

Conference (IGSC) that was planned for April 2010 in <strong>Bucharest</strong>- show our interest in 

volunteering for <strong>the</strong> Annual ER Conference in Kiev, 

2010 

- meet a lot <strong>of</strong> members, who are as enthusiast as we 

are about <strong>AAPG</strong> 

- visit Paris, being for <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>the</strong>re 

After our return in <strong>Bucharest</strong>, we held 2 

meetings: one with a student’s point <strong>of</strong> view and <strong>the</strong> 2 nd 

by our Faculty Advisor, about <strong>the</strong> ER Conference and 

<strong>the</strong> new researches in exploration for hydrocarbons. 

Fig.19. New friends at <strong>the</strong> ER Conference



21 

3.2.9. Field Trip – Bucegi Mountains 

The next field trip took place in <strong>the</strong> 

Bucegi Mountains, Romania, on <strong>the</strong> 12th <strong>of</strong> 

December 2009, under <strong>the</strong> guidance <strong>of</strong> our 

Faculty Advisor Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu. The 

purpose <strong>of</strong> this field trip was to understand <strong>the</strong> 

sedimentology and stratigraphy <strong>of</strong> Bucegi 

Mountains and to recognize an important 

<strong>geo</strong>logical boundary, Aptian-Albian. 

Through <strong>the</strong> Jepilor Valley and 

Spumoasa Valley, <strong>the</strong> outcrops revealed <strong>the</strong> 

Bucegi Conglomerates (Albian) and <strong>the</strong> complex 

Fig.20. The turbidite sequence 

structures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sandy-Conglomerate Turbidites 

(Aptian), placed below <strong>the</strong> Bucegi Conglomerates. 

The students were challenged to characterize <strong>the</strong> sequences and to observe petrographic 

features and sedimentary structures, such as: ripple marks, different types <strong>of</strong> lamination, matrixclast 

ratio, <strong>the</strong> contact between <strong>the</strong> clasts, <strong>the</strong> round degree <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> clasts, etc. 

This field trip was a great opportunity to understand better sedimentology mechanisms, 

many <strong>of</strong> BSC members being enrolled at that time in ‘Sedimentology and Depositional 

Systems’ courses. 

Fig.21. Group photo around our <strong>AAPG</strong> Advisor 

Fig.22. Waterfall over a conglomerate channel



22 

3.2.10. BSC’s Christmas Reception – 10 years Anniversary 

It is always place for a reception where you can meet all your pr<strong>of</strong>essors, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r 

members and also industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals that, once, used to be students and members <strong>of</strong> our 

chapter in a different environment from <strong>the</strong> everyday job. It’s a great networking event that we 

organize it yearly and this time it has more emotions involved, being <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> 

<strong>Chapter</strong>’s 10 year anniversary. (See more at page 38) 

3.2.11. EAGE online Geo-quiz contest – 1 st place 

This spring was also <strong>the</strong> time for ‘GEO-QUIZ’, a challenge from EAGE 

for students all over <strong>the</strong> world to prove <strong>the</strong> <strong>geo</strong>science knowledge <strong>the</strong>y assimilated 

during <strong>the</strong>ir studies. Our chapter signed up for this contest too, and on <strong>the</strong> 15th <strong>of</strong> 

March we participated online at <strong>the</strong> first leg <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> competition. During one hour 

we had been challenged to answer multiple-choice questions from diverse areas <strong>of</strong> 

interest such as: Mineralogy, Structural Geology and Tectonics, Petroleum 

Geology, Geophysics and many more. 

The <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> placed first in <strong>the</strong> online competition and EAGE 

decided to award three students in <strong>the</strong> chapter with travel grants, to form a team at <strong>the</strong> final leg 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘GEO-QUIZ’, held at <strong>the</strong> ‘72nd EAGE Conference & Exhibition, Barcelona, 14-17 

June 2010. The three students selected were Diana Ciobanete, Andrei Panaiotu and Victoria 

Ricu. They formed one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> many teams enrolled in <strong>the</strong> final leg, which took place on <strong>the</strong> 

15th <strong>of</strong> June. 

The hosts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘GEO-QUIZ’ in Barcelona were <strong>the</strong> president <strong>of</strong> EAGE, Mahmoud 

Abdulbaqi, and Patrick Corbertt (Total) and <strong>the</strong>y built this contest as an interactive and exciting 

student program, which was an interesting career developing activity. 

3.2.12. <strong>AAPG</strong> ER IBA and SYPC meeting, Prague, 2010 

After attending <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> SCLS in Tulsa, <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> in 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> was invited also at <strong>the</strong> European chapter’s leadership meeting in Prague 

(27-28 March 2010). This meeting also gives <strong>the</strong> chance to attend <strong>the</strong> IBA 

Regional Contest and discuss with <strong>the</strong> participant students to learn from <strong>the</strong>ir 

experience or with <strong>the</strong> IBA Judges and find out more about <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism 

required in <strong>the</strong> Industry. 

With students from 24 universities represented at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> 

meeting and 13 universities participating in <strong>the</strong> Imperial Barrel Award 

competition, this is a great event that allows students to meet <strong>the</strong>ir peers from across <strong>the</strong> 

continent.



23 

The program included presentations from: 

- Nick Lagrilere: SYPC president - <strong>the</strong> strategy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> student and young 

pr<strong>of</strong>essional chapter program 

- MOL Hungary: about <strong>the</strong> Freshhh International online competition 

Also present were <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Committee: Ben Kilhams, 

David Contreras and Florentina Enea, former president <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>. We had 

debates regarding <strong>AAPG</strong>’s student programs, <strong>the</strong> communication with <strong>the</strong> chapters, how do we 

involve more students and how do we convince <strong>the</strong>m to continue with <strong>AAPG</strong> after finishing 

school. 

All <strong>the</strong> chapter leaders presented <strong>the</strong>ir activity and we raised <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>of</strong> doing 

joint projects, field trip between our chapters. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with Ben Kilhams from Aberdeen, with 

whom Andrei met also in Tulsa, we came up with a joint project that will be detailed more in 

our future activities 

3.2.13. Field Trip – Ocnele Mari (The Big 

Salt Mines) 

The field trip at Ocnele Mari from 11th <strong>of</strong> April 

2010 was a good opportunity to study <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> a 

proper knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>logical conditions when exploiting 

certain resources and <strong>the</strong> disastrous consequences that 

result from exploiting only for economical purposes 

(without constant surveillance and detailed investigations). 

The Ocnele Mari area in Romania is well known 

for <strong>the</strong> salt resources in <strong>the</strong> region. Salt has been extracted 

by dissolution since 1954 in different well fields (Field I 

and II), which lead to <strong>the</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> several voids <strong>of</strong> 

large dimensions at small depths under an inhabited area. 

The <strong>geo</strong>logical particularities and <strong>the</strong> existence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se 

voids were <strong>the</strong> main causes <strong>of</strong> instability <strong>of</strong> several collapse 

events in March 1991, September 2001 and July 2004. 

Field observations included: analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 

collapsed areas from <strong>the</strong> two fields, <strong>the</strong> impact that <strong>the</strong>se 

collapses had on <strong>the</strong> inhabited neighboring area and on <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>geo</strong>logical structures (e.g. pollution, civil safety issues etc.), Fig.23. The Big Salt Mine; <strong>the</strong> collapsed 

<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> an adequate documentation on <strong>geo</strong>logical mines and <strong>the</strong> salt lake formed 

settings and conditions in resource exploration, exploiting and surveillance <strong>of</strong> eventual issues, 

and also <strong>the</strong> risks that constant monitoring can prevent.



24 

3.2.14. The Educational Fair 

Promoting <strong>the</strong> faculty and <strong>the</strong> 

university is also one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>. We have had 

<strong>the</strong> opportunity to become involved in <strong>the</strong> 

Educational Fair, which was held at 

<strong>Bucharest</strong>, on <strong>the</strong> 16 th and 17 th <strong>of</strong> April 2010. 

With our pr<strong>of</strong>essors and o<strong>the</strong>r colleagues, we 

arranged a booth especially designed to 

promote <strong>the</strong> Faculty <strong>of</strong> Geology and 

Geophysics, and take advantage and talk with 

possible new students about <strong>the</strong> 

opportunities and <strong>the</strong> future <strong>the</strong>y might have 

if <strong>the</strong>y join our faculty, and <strong>the</strong> student 

chapter. The <strong>edu</strong>cational fair was aimed at 

Fig.24. <strong>Student</strong>s and pr<strong>of</strong>essors at <strong>the</strong> Faculty’s booth 

high school students and o<strong>the</strong>r students that 

have already chosen a school, but isn’t exactly what <strong>the</strong>y wanted and needed. 

The main idea <strong>of</strong> our participation in <strong>the</strong> fair was promoting <strong>the</strong> modernism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 

Romanian university and <strong>edu</strong>cational environment. At <strong>the</strong> booth, <strong>the</strong>re were posters with each 

department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> faculty, showing and talking about what each <strong>the</strong>y have to <strong>of</strong>fer. 

We had showed <strong>the</strong> people who presented any interest, different types <strong>of</strong> rocks and 

minerals and different types <strong>of</strong> fossils, taken out from <strong>the</strong> Paleontology collection our university 

holds. The <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> also handed out flyers about our activities, with focus on 

<strong>geo</strong>logy, and what we thought that was <strong>of</strong> interest for potential new students.



25 

3.2.15. The Geoecologia Symposium – Petrosani 

Between <strong>the</strong> 15th and 18th <strong>of</strong> April 2010, <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> 

Petrosani hosted <strong>the</strong> Geoecologia symposium, where a few students from 

<strong>the</strong> chapter have had a few oral presentations, and moreover, <strong>the</strong>y won 

awards for <strong>the</strong> research <strong>the</strong>y presented during <strong>the</strong> meeting. 

The students and <strong>the</strong>ir papers are: 

- Alexandra-Victoria Ricu: ”Testing <strong>the</strong> discriminating power <strong>of</strong> static penetration on a cone in 

lithological differentiation <strong>of</strong> Holocene formations from Urlati” 

- Barsan Antonio: “Calculating <strong>the</strong> density <strong>of</strong> Al2SiO5 polymorphs using structural parameters” 

- Gerea Alexandra: ”Applications <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>magnetic measurements in environmental problems. 

Detecting underground holes using magnetic anomalies in Tineretului Park, <strong>Bucharest</strong>” 

- Eugen Tudor: “Hydroxylated phases included in <strong>the</strong> Foltea garnet: potassium metasomatism 

in <strong>the</strong> Hercinic mantle?” 

- Vlad-Victor Ene: “Petrographic study <strong>of</strong> mortars from <strong>the</strong> Enisala fortress, Nor<strong>the</strong>rn 

Dobrogea” 

Three students received awards for <strong>the</strong>ir papers and presentation, respectively: 3 rd prize 

in <strong>the</strong> Geology section had been awarded to Eugen Tudor and Alexandra-Victoria Ricu, and 2 nd 

prize to Vlad-Victor Ene. 

The symposium at Petrosani, was also <strong>the</strong> first one for <strong>the</strong> student chapter’s 

participants, and also <strong>the</strong>ir first ever oral presentation <strong>of</strong> a scientific paper. Due to <strong>the</strong> friendly 

atmosphere and <strong>the</strong> organization, it was a great exercise for <strong>the</strong> participants as <strong>the</strong>y managed to 

overcome <strong>the</strong>ir emotions. 

Aside from <strong>the</strong> symposium, <strong>the</strong> field trip had also a cultural part, <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Petrosani 

being an important coal center, and also <strong>the</strong> place <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> only mining museum in Romania. 

Fig.25. Alexandra Ricu 

presenting her paper 

Fig.26. The BSC members in Petrosani



26 

3.2.16. The SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE 1st 

International Geosciences 

<strong>Student</strong> Conference (IGSC) 

- <strong>Bucharest</strong>, 22 – 24 April 2010 - 

Call <strong>of</strong> duty: Bridge between <strong>Student</strong>s, 

Academia and Industry 

Geosciences deserve a better place 

in <strong>the</strong> everyday challenge <strong>of</strong> understanding 

why do we live and <strong>the</strong> optimal needs for 

life. Through <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG, EAGE and 

o<strong>the</strong>rs we foster <strong>the</strong> research in <strong>the</strong> fields <strong>of</strong> 

Understanding <strong>the</strong> Earth, <strong>the</strong> Natural 

Mineral and Energetic Resources with 

respect to Climate Change. 

Not too long ago <strong>the</strong> three 

associations thought <strong>of</strong> growing <strong>the</strong> new 

scientists among students and started 

<strong>Student</strong> Programs, but it’s obvious that <strong>the</strong>y 

need help in creating <strong>the</strong> perfect scenery 

for us to mature our interest in <strong>geo</strong>sciences. 

In <strong>the</strong> present globalization trend, 

BSC wants to develop a student conference 

that can <strong>of</strong>fer both a competition and a 

connection for students with <strong>the</strong> academic 

and industrial environments. This contest 

<strong>of</strong>fers to students <strong>the</strong> chance to satisfy <strong>the</strong>ir 

natural hunger for competition, 

encouraging performance and team 

working, creating in <strong>the</strong> same time strong 

friendships and quality specialists. 

Origin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project 

Founded in 1999, in association 

with o<strong>the</strong>r two student chapters in Iasi and 

Cluj-Napoca (both Romanian cities), <strong>the</strong> 

BSC brought back an older tradition within 

a national student symposium which was 

yearly organized for student <strong>geo</strong>logists. 

This event was to be organized 

yearly and in succession by <strong>the</strong>se three 

student chapters. 

This year it’s The XI th 

National 

Symposium <strong>of</strong> <strong>Student</strong> Geologists and 

Geophysicists and it will be integrated in 

The SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE 1 st 

International 

Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference. 

The Conference 

It is organized by BSC in collaboration with 

<strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>, Faculty <strong>of</strong> 

Geology and Geophysics. 

Official Partners: SEG, <strong>AAPG</strong> and EAGE. 

Local Partners: Romanian Geological 

Society and Romanian Geophysical Society 

Support from: The Economy Ministry, The 

National Agency for Mineral Resource, 

Petrom (National Oil Company) 

This event brings toge<strong>the</strong>r many student 

programs such as: 

• 11th Symposium <strong>of</strong> Geology and 

Geophysics <strong>Student</strong>s 

• 1st International Symposium <strong>of</strong> Geology 

and Geophysics <strong>Student</strong>s 

• 1 st 

International Job Fair in Geology and 

Geophysics 

• Short courses and lectures 

• SEG / ExxonMobil <strong>Student</strong> Education 

Program (SEP) 

• SEG Challenge Bowl Competition 

• Ice-Breaker and Closing Gala 

• Field Trip 

The conference was held at World 

Trade Center <strong>Bucharest</strong> on 22 – 24 April 

2010. 

Registration started on 3 rd <strong>of</strong> January 

and <strong>the</strong> deadline for submitting abstract was 

15 th <strong>of</strong> March. Also <strong>the</strong>re were 

opportunities for Travel Grants (from SEP 

and from IGSC); for more details: 

igsc2010@yahoo.com



27 

Both symposiums had Oral 

Presentation Sessions and Poster Sessions, 

covering <strong>the</strong> wide domains <strong>of</strong> Geology and 

Geophysics. 

The target students were Bs, Ms, 

and PhDs. The undergraduate students 

from Romania participated at <strong>the</strong> National 

Symposium, while <strong>the</strong> Ms and PhDs, both 

Romanian and Foreign, attended <strong>the</strong> 

International Symposium for a more 

competitive and higher quality challenge. 

We encourage also <strong>the</strong> foreign Bs to work 

in research projects and, if possible, to 

come. 

Then, through <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r programs 

(Courses, Ice-breaker, Closing Gala, Field 

Trip) we tried to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r all <strong>the</strong> 

students, into an attempt to found a student 

community (like a small Leadership 

Summit). The next step, and <strong>the</strong> biggest, is 

to link <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong> Industry personnel at 

<strong>the</strong> 1 st International Job Fair. 

Last, but not least <strong>the</strong> students had 

<strong>the</strong> chance to compete in <strong>the</strong> Regional SEG 

Challenge Bowl Competition; <strong>the</strong> winner 

team went to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Final</strong> Stage, at SEG 

Annual Meeting in Denver 17–22 October 

2010 

In <strong>the</strong> end, we hope this will be a 

new trend and we encourage <strong>Student</strong> 

<strong>Chapter</strong>s to make efforts in helping each 

o<strong>the</strong>r and help build more and better 

<strong>Student</strong> Programs. 

Special acknowledgements go to 

<strong>AAPG</strong> ER for sponsoring <strong>the</strong> Conference 

with a total <strong>of</strong> 10.000 $ and by approving a 

VGP lecture, Herman Darman, who had 

also talked about <strong>the</strong> IBA contest. The 

funds were used in <strong>the</strong> whole financial plan 

that included: renting <strong>the</strong> center, field trip, 

travel grants, stationery and miscellaneous 

acquisitions. 

We thank <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and EAGE 

for <strong>the</strong>ir commitment to students and for 

<strong>the</strong> help regarding <strong>the</strong> 1 st 

International 

Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference.



28 

3.2.17. Field Trip – Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Dobrogea 

BSC members attended a field trip organized by two 

pr<strong>of</strong>essors from <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Marin 

Seclaman and Lect. Anca Luca. The area <strong>of</strong> interest was 

Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Dobrogea and <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trip was to present <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>geo</strong>logical setting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fore mentioned area. 

The activities took place between <strong>the</strong> 26 th 

and <strong>the</strong> 31 st 

<strong>of</strong> April 2010, and <strong>the</strong>y included visiting 34 outcrops and 

studying <strong>the</strong>m from different points <strong>of</strong> view: microtectonic, 

mineralogical, paleontological and petrographic analysis <strong>of</strong> 

outcrops containing igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary 

rocks. We observed structures and textures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outcropping 

rocks and measured orientations <strong>of</strong> fault systems that affected 

<strong>the</strong>m. 

The main rocks we encountered were granitoidic and 

metamorphic rocks related to granite transformations. Most <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> outcrops have been used commercially in <strong>the</strong> past but are 

currently inactive. 

Fig.27. Limestone outcrop 

Aside from <strong>the</strong> abandoned quarries, we also visited an 

active extraction site at Revarsarea where a residual oceanic 

crust fragment composed <strong>of</strong> basaltic rocks is currently being 

processed industrially. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> samples that were taken 

from <strong>the</strong> field are currently being used by BSC members for 

<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> scientific papers. 

Fig.29. Metamorphic transformation 

in Granitoidic rocks 

Fig.28. “Revarsarea” granite quarry



29 

3.2.18. Visit to an onshore drilling well 

The visit corresponds to <strong>the</strong> practical 

application <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Petroleum training project 

that was funded by <strong>AAPG</strong> ER, 500 € that are 

to be used for travel and accommodation 

costs. It was one day long in <strong>the</strong> same time 

with <strong>the</strong> Dobrogea Field Trip, but had to stay 

for <strong>the</strong> night due to <strong>the</strong> delayed operations 

onsite. 10 members <strong>of</strong> BSC visited <strong>the</strong> drilling 

well <strong>of</strong> a small local company that planned to 

perforate a carbonate reservoir for gas. 

Fig.30. Almost dark near <strong>the</strong> well 

The operation lasted many hours and 

we undertook a training proc<strong>edu</strong>re regarding 

well visits. On site, we were taught about <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>geo</strong>logical setting, <strong>the</strong> well log analyses, <strong>the</strong> 

volumetrics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reservoir, risks and how will 

<strong>the</strong>y extract <strong>the</strong> gas. The train ended after 

seeing <strong>the</strong> gun used for perforating <strong>the</strong> tube 

and <strong>the</strong> reservoir. In <strong>the</strong> future, we wish for 

more similar training sessions. 

We thank <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> ER for funding this 

project because it helped a lot in dealing with 

companies. 

Fig.31. BSC members after <strong>the</strong> security training 

Fig.32. Viewing <strong>the</strong> well-log



30 

3.2.19. Field Trip – Volcanology and Sedimentology in Eastern 

Carpathians 

Fig.33. A canyon- like morphology in <strong>the</strong> former scoria quarry; it’s associated to a scoria cone from <strong>the</strong> 

nearby eruption center (basalts). The nature is slowly recovering from <strong>the</strong> human impact. 

Our last Field Trip, sponsored by <strong>the</strong> chapter’s funds through <strong>the</strong> Lake Austin Grant, 

was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best having <strong>the</strong> chance to see many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> old volcanoes in Romania (last 

eruption was 10.000 years ago, being a minor one), <strong>the</strong> relation with fault systems and <strong>the</strong> 

subduction zone. Today it is considered an extinct area, but we know that <strong>the</strong> system is still 

active, having also proves <strong>of</strong> huge eruption happening in a 600 ka cycle. 

Fig.34. <strong>Student</strong>s ga<strong>the</strong>red for a photo by <strong>the</strong> Basalt Columns 

(Natural Geological Reservation) 

We correlated <strong>the</strong> volcanic 

deposits with <strong>the</strong> adjacent 

sedimentary structures for 

stratigraphic and structural reasons 

and also with <strong>the</strong> hydro<strong>the</strong>rmalism 

deposits. During <strong>the</strong> trip we’ve seen 

acid type volcanoes, transitional and 

basic type volcanoes, receiving basic 

information on <strong>the</strong> paleomagnetic 

studies undertook here and <strong>the</strong>ir 

importance in tectonics and 

petrographic research, thanks to our 

pr<strong>of</strong>essors, Ioan Seghedi and Cristian 

Panaiotu.



31 

In <strong>the</strong> last day, Cezar Iacob and Razvan Orza presented <strong>the</strong> applicability <strong>of</strong> 

electrometrical investigations in <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> aquifers, holding also a practical training for BSC 

members. After that we stopped in Piatra Craiului Mt. where our pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Cristina Panaiotu 

and Relu Roban, made us understand <strong>the</strong> sedimentology <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> carbonate system (coral reefs, 

carbonate shelf and turbidites). The talks advanced to diagenesis and its importance to 

petrographic analyses and most <strong>of</strong> all, in Petroleum Geology. 

Fig.35. The sedimentology <strong>of</strong> carbonates; carbonate 

turbidites (alodapic limestone) 

Fig.36. Cezar and Razvan making a demonstration 

<strong>of</strong> how to conduct an electrometrical survey 

Fig.37. In <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> a volcanic crater: St. Ana Lake (<strong>the</strong> best preserved crater lake in 

Europe)



32 

3.2.20. The 72 nd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 

incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2010, Barcelona 

The summer <strong>of</strong> 2010 has caught 14 members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> driving 

to Barcelona, Spain to attend <strong>the</strong> 72nd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition. Thanks to <strong>the</strong> 

fact that <strong>the</strong> chapter has placed first in <strong>the</strong> online GeoQuiz competition, we had <strong>the</strong> 

opportunity to earn three travel grants and 3 free registrations to <strong>the</strong> conference, which was 

complemented by Cezar Iacob’s travel grant for presenters. 

Our colleagues, Andrei Panaiotu and Diana Ciobanete have participated in <strong>the</strong> student 

poster section with <strong>the</strong> paper “Impacting Factors on <strong>the</strong> Thermomechanical Behavior <strong>of</strong> 

Dolostones upon Calcination”, Razvan Orza with ”Integrating Seismic and Resistivity Surveys 

on Mine Wastes”, in <strong>the</strong> poster sections, and Cezar Iacob presented “Landslide Prediction 

Using Geoelectrical Investigations“ in <strong>the</strong> oral presentations program. 

The conference took place on <strong>the</strong> 

14th – 16th <strong>of</strong> June 2010, in <strong>the</strong> beautiful city 

placed near <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean Sea. The first 

day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference has caught <strong>the</strong> 

participants tired from <strong>the</strong> 4 day drive from 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> to Barcelona, but eager and 

excited to experience (some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> 

first time) a conference <strong>of</strong> such international 

importance. 

Fig.38. Andrei presenting at <strong>the</strong> student session 

First day 

In <strong>the</strong> first day <strong>of</strong> conference, student 

registration opened, and right after <strong>the</strong> 

registration, <strong>the</strong> EAGE has <strong>of</strong>fered an 

exhibition tour, in two parts, which meant a 

short tour around <strong>the</strong> companies’ booths in <strong>the</strong> 

exhibition hall. Andrei Panaiotu and Diana 

Ciobanete had <strong>the</strong>ir presentation in <strong>the</strong> morning Fig.39. At <strong>the</strong> Exxon’s IBA course 

session. 

After <strong>the</strong> exhibition tour, <strong>the</strong> first workshop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference began, held by Pascal 

Breton, titled “Choose a life, not a living”, where Alexandra Ricu, Alexandru Stefan, Cristian 

Mihalcea, Alina Lihaciu and Emilia Ranete were present. The workshop consisted <strong>of</strong> a two 

hour discussion about integrating engineering and <strong>the</strong> social component in <strong>geo</strong>sciences, and <strong>the</strong> 

importance <strong>of</strong> collaboration between <strong>geo</strong>scientists today. The second workshop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day, 

“Deepwater depositional systems: An Introductory Short Course” consisted <strong>of</strong> a presentation



33 

held by Jean Gerard from Repsol, about turbiditc systems, course attended by mainly <strong>the</strong> same 

students. 

The live GeoQuiz competition took place in a 30 minutes spot, where we had two 

teams in <strong>the</strong> competition, one formed by Violeta Lechea, Florentina Enea and Ionela Samoila, 

and <strong>the</strong> second one with Andrei Panaiotu, Diana Ciobanete and Alexandra Ricu. The day 

ended with student’s evening, in a restaurant on Barcelona’s beach. 

Second day 

Razvan Orza had his poster presentation as well, and Cezar Iacob presented his paper 

in <strong>the</strong> oral section. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main student activities was <strong>the</strong> EAGE student challenge. Each 

registered student received a list <strong>of</strong> 10 companies, each one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m asking <strong>the</strong> student to 

complete different kinds <strong>of</strong> exercises. This way, <strong>the</strong> students were able to get in touch with 

companies like Schlumberger, Exxon Mobil, PetroSkills. A few <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> companies that were 

registered in <strong>the</strong> conference organized trial interviews for <strong>the</strong> students, where Alexandra Ricu 

was present. The last workshop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference was held by Bob Stewart from Exxon Mobil 

about “Integrated Basin Analysis”, attended by Andrei Panaiotu, Alexandra Ricu and Violeta 

Lechea. 

The last day 

EAGE interviewed <strong>the</strong> BSC representatives, as a sign <strong>of</strong> appreciation for <strong>the</strong>ir efforts 

for putting toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> 1 st 

International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference. The main points <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> interview were regarding <strong>the</strong> manner in which we approached <strong>the</strong> organizing an 

international conference and a job fair on our own, and how we thought about involving <strong>the</strong> 3 

most important pr<strong>of</strong>essional organizations (<strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG, EAGE) in <strong>the</strong> process. 

Fig.40. Shannon de Groot (EAGE student coordinator) and <strong>the</strong> BSC team after <strong>the</strong> interview



34 

4. Activities stories (extended) 

4.1. 1 st International Geosciences 

<strong>Student</strong> Conference 

Two years ago, students from <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> (BSC), a 

student association affiliated with <strong>the</strong> 

University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>, laid <strong>the</strong> 

groundwork for <strong>the</strong> 1st International 

Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conference (IGSC) in 

<strong>Bucharest</strong>, Romania. The goal for this First 

international student based event was to 

give qualified students <strong>the</strong> opportunity to 

interact with industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and 

participate in various networking and 

career-building activities. This event was 

student-envisioned, constructed and 

implemented! IGSC was cosponsored by 

SEG, <strong>AAPG</strong>, EAGE, <strong>the</strong> Romanian 

Society <strong>of</strong> Geophysics (RSG), and <strong>the</strong> 

Romanian Geological Society (RGS). 

Despite travel disruptions associated 

with <strong>the</strong> volcanic ash eruption over Europe, 

<strong>the</strong> conference kicked <strong>of</strong>f on 22 April 2010 

at <strong>the</strong> World Trade Center in <strong>Bucharest</strong>. 

The Opening Ceremony welcomed 

students, recruiters, industry and academic 

pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, and society representatives. 

Victor Mocanu, chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Organizing 

Committee, <strong>of</strong>ficially opened <strong>the</strong> 

conference with a welcoming speech to <strong>the</strong> 

300+ attendees. He pointed out, “This 

conference is actually a platform for several 

meetings—including <strong>the</strong> 11th National 

Romanian <strong>Student</strong> Symposium, an 

International Job Fair for Geology and 

Fig.41. (left to right) Eastern European Challenge 

Bowl 1st-place winners Ana Mladenovic and Nevena 

Andricc (University <strong>of</strong> Belgrade), Aaron Girard 

(Challenge Bowl emcee), and Challenge Bowl 

runners-up Rufat MirzaAyev (Azerbaijan State Oil 

Academy) and Ivan Deshenenkov (Gubkin Russian 

State University <strong>of</strong> Oil and Gas). 

Geophysics students, a series <strong>of</strong> advanced 

courses by SEG, <strong>AAPG</strong> and EAGE 

lecturers, and <strong>the</strong> SEG Challenge Bowl— 

which also provides networking 

opportunities and field trips. We hope that 

at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> so many events, you will 

return to your home countries and 

institutions with a better understanding <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> present-day world <strong>of</strong> opportunities in 

<strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> natural resources which will 

represent a most important component <strong>of</strong> 

society in <strong>the</strong> years to come.” The Opening 

Ceremony was honored by <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> 

Emil Constantinescu, former President <strong>of</strong> 

Romania and pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>logy at <strong>the</strong> 

University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>. Representing <strong>the</strong> 

sponsoring societies were Candice 

Chinsethagid (SEG), Herman Darman 

(<strong>AAPG</strong>), Shannon de Groot (EAGE), 

Dumitru Ioane (RSG), and Valentin 

Paraschiv (RGS).



35 

Fig.42. <strong>Student</strong>s explore mud volcanoes in <strong>the</strong> Buzau Valley 

In addition to students, 60 company 

delegates, 25 guest delegates, and 16 

exhibitors registered. Ten companies 

exhibited: Prospectuni, Enviroplan, MOL, 

Sterling Resources, Search Corporation, 

OMV Petrom, Brantax, Geoecomar, 

Danubian Energy, and Wea<strong>the</strong>rford. 

Conference sponsor ExxonMobil was not 

able to attend due to <strong>the</strong> ash cloud. 

Aurelian Oil&Gas was ano<strong>the</strong>r conference 

sponsor. The IDEA League, <strong>the</strong> University 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong>, and <strong>the</strong> Kogayon Association 

also had booths in <strong>the</strong> exhibition hall. 

The students shared <strong>the</strong>ir work via 

84 oral and 19 poster presentations. This 

brought toge<strong>the</strong>r many students who will 

work toge<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> future in ei<strong>the</strong>r 

academia or in industry. It was a real 

pleasure to see so many smart and 

motivated students in one place, networking 

and having a great time. 

The International Job Fair gave 

students an understanding <strong>of</strong> opportunities 

available after university studies are 

completed and gave <strong>the</strong>m a chance to 

discuss ways to advance <strong>the</strong>ir careers. The 

companies, likewise, were able to see what 

students are studying. A presentation 

<strong>the</strong>ater allowed industry representatives to 

describe <strong>the</strong>ir latest techniques, projects 

and opportunities for young pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. 

<strong>Student</strong>s were able to take short 

courses provided by <strong>the</strong> sponsoring 

societies and large groups ga<strong>the</strong>red to listen 

to Jose Carcione (SEG Honorary Lecturer), 

Herman Darman (<strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>’s Visiting 

Geoscientist Program), and (via an online 

presentation) Pascal Breton (<strong>of</strong> EAGE’s 

<strong>Student</strong> Lecture Tour). The students 

engaged <strong>the</strong> lecturers in question and 

answer sessions and got firsthand exposure 

to leaders and technology in <strong>the</strong> field for 

free! 

Friendly competition was definitely a 

key component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference. A 

highlight was <strong>the</strong> Eastern European SEG 

Challenge Bowl in which eight teams, each 

with two students, displayed <strong>the</strong>ir 

<strong>geo</strong>science knowledge (Figure 1). After two 

exciting hours, <strong>the</strong> two finalists—a joint team 

from Russia/Azerbaijan and one from 

Serbia—battled it out for <strong>the</strong> top prize: a trip 

to Denver for a chance to compete in <strong>the</strong> 

Challenge Bowl <strong>Final</strong>s at <strong>the</strong> SEG Annual 

Meeting. It was a nail-biting atmosphere to 

<strong>the</strong> last moment before <strong>the</strong> all-female team 

from Serbia (Belgrade University) pulled 

ahead.



36 

preceding <strong>the</strong> conference from <strong>the</strong> volcanic 

ash cloud. Many new connections were 

formed to work on future projects toge<strong>the</strong>r; 

equally important, on a personal level, 

many new friends were made. 

Fig. 43. The opening gala 

Awards were given for <strong>the</strong> best 

presentations in various categories at <strong>the</strong> 

closing ceremony. This was followed by a 

tour to Muzeul Satului (Village Museum) 

where students got a taste <strong>of</strong> Romanian 

history and culture. The closing gala, which 

featured a live band, was a celebration for 

having completed a great conference and 

having met many new colleagues and 

friends. “It was great to see <strong>the</strong> IGSC 

Organizing Committee be able to kick back 

and celebrate a job well done; <strong>the</strong>y 

definitely deserved it, for all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir hard 

work paid <strong>of</strong>f,” commented Jenny Cole, 

who represented SEG’s University and 

<strong>Student</strong> Programs. 

The last day was dedicated to a Field 

trip to South Carpathians (Buzau Valley) 

where students observed <strong>the</strong> interesting 

<strong>geo</strong>logy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region, including salt diapirs 

and <strong>the</strong> Vulcanii Noroiosi (mud 

volcanoes)—certainly a great end to a great 

conference (Figure 2). 

The event brought toge<strong>the</strong>r 243 

students, representing 12 nationalities, 

giving it an unprecedented international 

aspect. For <strong>the</strong> three societies, this was <strong>the</strong> 

First <strong>Student</strong> Expo outside <strong>the</strong> United 

States and all were pleased with <strong>the</strong> 

outcome, especially given <strong>the</strong> commotion 

stirred up in <strong>the</strong> days (and hours!) 

The IGSC started <strong>the</strong> ball rolling for 

international student activities in Eastern 

Europe and neighboring countries. 

<strong>Student</strong>s inquired how <strong>the</strong>y could host <strong>the</strong> 

next International Geoscience <strong>Student</strong> 

Conference at <strong>the</strong>ir university, or how <strong>the</strong>y 

could participate in a regional Challenge 

Bowl, or host one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SEG, <strong>AAPG</strong>, or 

EAGE lecturers at <strong>the</strong>ir university. 

When planning <strong>the</strong> event and 

preparing <strong>the</strong> budget, <strong>the</strong> Organizing 

Committee considered <strong>the</strong> need for travel 

grants for students making oral or poster 

presentations. 

Fig. 45. First day <strong>of</strong> registration



37 

Participant’s reflections: 

Nevena Andric (one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> travel grant 

recipients from Serbia) 

“This was my first time to a 

SEG/<strong>AAPG</strong>/EAGE event and it was 

experience I won’t forget. I can still 

remember waiting for my train tickets to 

come from <strong>Bucharest</strong>. I was very nervous, 

but also I was lucky, since <strong>the</strong>y arrived in 

<strong>the</strong> last minute, just few hours before 

departure. This expectation was 

worthwhile, because <strong>the</strong> conference was 

incredible. I met students from o<strong>the</strong>r 

universities and talk about our different 

research experiences and future ideas. On 

<strong>the</strong> Job Fair I had <strong>the</strong> opportunity to speak 

with industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals about <strong>the</strong>ir 

experiences and job opportunities. 

Presenting my own research was an editing 

experience. The award for scientific 

approach encouraged me to do more and 

better in coming years. Competing in SEG 

Challenge Bowl was a unique event. At <strong>the</strong> 

beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> quiz I was nervous, but 

after a few minutes it was very fun and 

exciting. It was tight, but we finally won. 

This award gave me opportunity to go to 

Denver for <strong>the</strong> SEG Annual meeting and 

attend <strong>the</strong> CB <strong>Final</strong>s. I left this conference 

with a lot <strong>of</strong> great ideas and I hope to 

return next year. Without <strong>the</strong> support <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> IGSC travel grant, I would not have had 

<strong>the</strong> opportunity to be part <strong>of</strong> this meeting. 

Thank you!” 

Tiffany Piercey (Memorial University, 

Canada – Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Committee 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>) 

“Being no stranger to conferences like this 

one, knowing that it was student organized 

was so empowering. <strong>Student</strong>s bringing 

toge<strong>the</strong>r students is an inspiring effort and 

knowing that all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional societies 

support <strong>the</strong>se initiatives is fantastic” 

Aaron Girard (SEG), a student, but also a 

member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> organizing staff, said: 

“It was very different from <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional 

conferences I have been to because it 

focused on <strong>the</strong> students. I got to meet some 

very cool people <strong>the</strong>re who I plan to keep 

in touch with in both my personal and 

pr<strong>of</strong>essional life. I really hope to see more 

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se conferences because <strong>the</strong> 

opportunities opened to students were 

unprecedented, and I hope that as many 

students as possible can participate in <strong>the</strong> 

coming years.” 

Fig. 46. Field trip’s first stop 

Fig. 44. <strong>AAPG</strong> booth: Herman Darman, 

Anwar Al-Beaiji and IGSC Organizing Staff



38



39 

4.2. The10 th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> “1999- 

2009” 

On 17 th December 2009 <strong>the</strong> 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> celebrated a 

decade <strong>of</strong> successful activity. 10 years 

previously <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> had its first 

meeting as an <strong>AAPG</strong> chapter. Throughout 

<strong>the</strong>se ten years <strong>the</strong> BSC has conducted a 

wide range <strong>of</strong> activities that have focused on 

students’ interests and needs, driven by <strong>the</strong> 

ambition <strong>of</strong> fostering self-confidence and 

innovative thinking in <strong>the</strong> young minds <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>geo</strong>logy students. 

Everything was set; <strong>the</strong> BSC Office 

in <strong>the</strong> Faculty building was nicely decorated 

and arranged for this special occasion, a 

varied traditional buffet was prepared by 

students, <strong>the</strong> 10 years cake and <strong>the</strong> 

champagne where <strong>the</strong>re too. After <strong>the</strong> 

guests arrived, <strong>the</strong> short program we had 

prepared was introduced by BSC President 

Andrei Panaiotu. He invited Faculty 

Advisor Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu to 

properly present <strong>the</strong> reason for celebration. 

Pr<strong>of</strong> Anastasiu made a brief resume <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 

10 years that have past; he showed how 

proud he was <strong>of</strong> BSC having been awarded 

<strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> International Outstanding 

<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> in 2009. 

Next, was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> 

BSC in <strong>the</strong> first year <strong>of</strong> activity, who now 

teaches Sedimentology at our Faculty, Dr. 

Relu Roban. Relu is <strong>the</strong> best example <strong>of</strong> 

Fig. 47. The 10 years cake 

<strong>the</strong> benefits one has in being involved. Even 

if he’s teaching now, he never stopped 

being a BSC member. He shared with <strong>the</strong> 

audience a story that was at <strong>the</strong> same time 

touching and funny about how hard and 

different it was in <strong>the</strong> first part <strong>of</strong> BSC 

history. Even so, BSC was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best 

chapters in Europe at <strong>the</strong> time. 

After that, former President Ioana 

Stan had a presentation about <strong>the</strong> activities 

and <strong>the</strong> achievements BSC has had in <strong>the</strong> 

late years, all were ga<strong>the</strong>red in one story 

told to show everyone that students can 

really go beyond <strong>the</strong> boundaries <strong>of</strong> 

conventional <strong>edu</strong>cation and successfully do 

more. 

The program ended with <strong>the</strong> 

traditional carols choir BSC puts up every 

year. 16 students took <strong>the</strong> time to rehearse 

three times a week for a month, just for <strong>the</strong> 

15 minutes <strong>the</strong>y would have for singing 

carols at <strong>the</strong> Christmas celebration. In <strong>the</strong> 

end, it was all worth it; <strong>the</strong> audience was 

enchanted. 

Fig.48. The president’s speech 

Fig.49. The Christmas Carol choir



40 

5. The InfoBSC Newsletter and <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Newsletter collaboration 

After ano<strong>the</strong>r year <strong>of</strong> inactivity we managed to make a team for <strong>the</strong> editorial <strong>of</strong> our 

newsletter, <strong>the</strong> InfoBSC. It is <strong>the</strong> first English written BSC newsletter, motivating <strong>the</strong> need to 

promoting our activities outside Romania. At every conference attended, we had a sample <strong>of</strong> it 

to share with <strong>the</strong> participants. 

Besides finding <strong>the</strong> proper articles, asking members to do volunteer work and choosing 

<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me for <strong>the</strong> articles, we were also challenged by <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> funds. We knocked on many 

doors, organized some fund raising campaigns and, finally, we had to contribute from our own 

treasury. 

The idea for InfoBSC came from <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> ER Newsletter and <strong>the</strong> Explorer 

magazine. Through our newsletter we want to promote <strong>AAPG</strong> student programs, as well also <strong>of</strong> 

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r societies that we represent: SEG, EAGE, SGR and SRG. 

Also in 2009, <strong>the</strong> ER Newsletter editors invited <strong>the</strong> students to post articles in <strong>the</strong> 

student chapter zone on which we applied with pleasure.



41 

6. Headquarter, BSC Library (<strong>the</strong> Bookshop Gift) and Info-Boards 

In <strong>the</strong> last reports our Office Room was presented, showing different stages <strong>of</strong> 

improvements. We still do some clearing and rearranging <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rocks, minerals and thin 

sections deposits that belong to <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Mineralogy, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m being useful in 

fur<strong>the</strong>r researches. The activity regarding <strong>the</strong> books is an ongoing work to put <strong>the</strong>m in a 

database to be easy navigated on <strong>the</strong> internet and also to bring more books. The acquisition <strong>of</strong> 

IT, technical and electronic equipment is still our main focus. All <strong>of</strong> this helps us work better, 

improving our pr<strong>of</strong>essional skills. 

HQ contents 

- Microscope 

- 2 Computers 

- 2 SUN stations: seismic/seismological 

processing 

- Scanner and Printer 

- Office equipment: laminator, paper stacker, 

etc. 

- Blackboard and Whiteboard 

- The Mineralogy collection: rocks and thin 

sections 

The BSC Library contains: 

- Books from Romanian Geological Institutes (from early 1900 to present days) 

- Various Geological and Geophysical books (Romanian and foreign) 

- Journals, Newsletters and o<strong>the</strong>r publications: <strong>AAPG</strong> Explorer & Bulletin, Nature, Science, 

Tectonophysics, The Leading Edge <strong>of</strong> SEG, The First Brake <strong>of</strong> EAGE, AGI and GSA 

publications, etc. 

- Our recent acquisitions are from <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> Bookshop Gift (250 $)



42 

This year we also started building more info boards sensing that a better advertising is 

needed among <strong>the</strong> students and Faculty staff. It helped to explain better <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and 

EAGE programs and it was <strong>the</strong> main information point for <strong>the</strong> International Geosciences 

<strong>Student</strong> Conference. 

Fig.50. Moving <strong>the</strong> main info-board after construction 

Fig. 51. The BSC Library



43 

7. In <strong>the</strong> Future 

The objectives posted at <strong>the</strong> beginning remain active also in <strong>the</strong> future. Onwards we will 

detail some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> projects that we have in mind, being a consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> intense year that 

we had. 

Petroleum training program 

This programs needs to continue in order for all students to benefit from it, serving as a 

complementary instruction for <strong>the</strong> conventional <strong>edu</strong>cation <strong>of</strong> our Faculty. It started, gratefully, 

with <strong>the</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> ER funding <strong>of</strong> projects having done just one trip and some courses, but more 

are planned during <strong>the</strong> summer and autumn. O<strong>the</strong>r companies found out and said <strong>the</strong>y are 

interested in this kind <strong>of</strong> collaborations. 

Internships 

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1 st International Geosciences <strong>Student</strong> Conferences were 

<strong>the</strong> many <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>of</strong> Internships from companies that sponsored <strong>the</strong> event like Prospectiuni and 

Wheaterford both on <strong>geo</strong>physical survey program and well log analyses. Both members from 

our chapter and o<strong>the</strong>r students were elected to participate in <strong>the</strong>ir program. We are very 

pleased that through this Conference, apart from <strong>the</strong> events onsite, we gave <strong>the</strong> opportunity for 

o<strong>the</strong>r students to benefit from <strong>the</strong>se efforts. Now <strong>the</strong>y know more about <strong>AAPG</strong>, SEG and 

EAGE, wishing to involve more. 

<strong>AAPG</strong> ER Annual Conference & Exhibition, Kiev 2010 

Previously discussed in Paris, our involvement in <strong>the</strong> Kiev Conference remained a 

dream until spring 2010 when after observing our dedication to <strong>AAPG</strong>, President David Cook 

and Chairman Gabor Tari decided that it would be best for students to organize <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong> 

Program in parallel with <strong>the</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional one. In <strong>the</strong> same time, a Ukrainian team was rapidly 

formed from <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> Kiev <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> (Ivano Frankiskv and Taras Shevchenko 

University) to be <strong>the</strong> local organizers. 

Andrei Panaiotu (from <strong>Bucharest</strong>) and Ievgen Ustenko (from Kiev) were elected as Co- 

Chairs for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong> Program and had <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> envision it and finding <strong>the</strong> best conditions 

for it to work. For a first look we planned <strong>the</strong> following program: <strong>Student</strong> Poster session 

(about 5 <strong>Bucharest</strong> students would like to compete), Integrated Basin Analyses course by 

ExxonMobil, <strong>Student</strong> Reception, VGP course (Careers in Petroleum Industry – Herman 

Darman, Shell), Volunteer Program, Tour <strong>of</strong> Kiev. 

The collaboration <strong>of</strong> Andrei and Ievgen is demonstrating <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong> 

Programs on developing <strong>the</strong> networking and leadership skills <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>science student 

communities. They met in Prague at <strong>the</strong> IBA regional contest and SC meeting, followed by 

Ievgen participation at <strong>the</strong> 1 st 

IGSC in April and <strong>the</strong> last meeting was in June at EAGE’s 

Conference in Barcelona.



44 

Joint project between Aberdeen and <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>s 

Ano<strong>the</strong>r connection intermediated by <strong>AAPG</strong> was between Ben Kilhams and Andrei 

Panaiotu, firstly at <strong>the</strong> SCLS in Tulsa 2009 and followed by <strong>the</strong> IBA and SC meeting in Prague. 

We decided to construct a project based upon our friendship and <strong>the</strong> main <strong>the</strong>me was: training 

and field trips. 

For <strong>the</strong> Aberdeen part, entitled “Petroleum <strong>geo</strong>logy in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> industry”, <strong>the</strong>y 

propose a series <strong>of</strong> training courses on Petroleum <strong>geo</strong>logy, Seismic interpretation and 

Exploration lectures <strong>of</strong> a high quality, being supported by field trips to better enhance <strong>the</strong> 

information acquired. 

In return, <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> will also organize a course day with debates on regional 

Petroleum systems (comparison between Western and Eastern European systems – emphasize 

on Black See and Carpathian Regions), and a follow up <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Source to Sink Project – A 

TOPO-Europe at which some Romanian institutes are working. The field trip proposed will be 

located in <strong>the</strong> Danube Delta, channeling through <strong>the</strong> Wild Life Reservation and <strong>the</strong> active 

sedimentology system (from <strong>the</strong> starting point to <strong>the</strong> Black See). 

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest rewards for us will be <strong>the</strong> information shared on <strong>the</strong> Young 

Pr<strong>of</strong>essional program which will be helpful to found <strong>the</strong> first Romanian YP <strong>Chapter</strong>. 

Transilvania Field Camp 

After a talk with Cluj <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> on <strong>the</strong> joint field application, we asked <strong>the</strong> 

neighboring chapters if <strong>the</strong>y are interested in participating to it. Eotvos Lorand and Misckolc 

Universities responded to <strong>the</strong> call and toge<strong>the</strong>r we will organize this trip. It will be oriented on 

sedimentology, on outcrops that may be related with some reservoir and source rocks from 

Pannonian Basin. Transylvania is a well-known gas field, and this would be a great opportunity 

to see and related sedimentology at a regional scale. Also, through this week <strong>of</strong> study we can 

form some bonds between Hungarian chapters and Romanian chapters, and to collaborate at 

an international level. 

Geoscientists without Borders (SEG Foundation – Founding Supporter Schlumberger) 

It will probably be <strong>the</strong> biggest project <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>. The mission <strong>of</strong> 

Geoscientists Without Borders® is to connect universities and industries with communities in 

need through projects using applied <strong>geo</strong>physics to benefit people and <strong>the</strong> environment around 

<strong>the</strong> world. 

Our mission in this project is to search for possible clues about <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 

pollution within Zlatna area, a former mining and industrial complex <strong>of</strong> polimetallic deposits in 

Romania. Also a primary mission is to train <strong>the</strong> Romanian students in applying <strong>geo</strong>physics, 

using electrometry, magnetometry, gravimetry and seismic surveys. After all <strong>the</strong> data ga<strong>the</strong>red 

has been interpreted, <strong>the</strong> students will than act to explain to local people about <strong>the</strong> effects and 

extents <strong>of</strong> pollution and what are <strong>the</strong> best protection measures.



45 

8. Lake Austin Weeks Grant from <strong>AAPG</strong> 

This year, like every year, BSC applied for <strong>the</strong> Lake Austin Weeks 

<strong>Chapter</strong> and Undergraduate Grant. The committee that decided <strong>the</strong> 

student to receive half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grant had <strong>the</strong> following configuration: 

- The BSC faculty advisor: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu 

- The faculty dean: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Victor Mocanu 

- The head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mineralogy Departament: Conf. Dr. Gheorghe Ilinca 

- The BSC president: Andrei Panaiotu 

The selected student was Ioana Stan, <strong>the</strong> former President <strong>of</strong> BSC. 

The amount <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grant was <strong>of</strong> 1000 $. Both <strong>the</strong> money transferred to <strong>the</strong> University’s 

account and to <strong>the</strong> student’s account have been used for <strong>the</strong> BSC`s projects and needs. After 

<strong>the</strong> bank transfers and <strong>the</strong> money exchange, an equivalent <strong>of</strong> 960 $ remained to be used for 

our projects (field trips, newsletter, flyers and <strong>of</strong>fice materials). 

Membership status 

After December, we r<strong>edu</strong>ced <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> BSC members to 60 students having decided 

to keep only <strong>the</strong> ones that are really interested to get involved more in student programs. The 

strategy we have chosen this year proved very helpful in promoting <strong>AAPG</strong> programs to 

students, <strong>the</strong>refore many students are now members <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong> in our chapter (~ 40 members). 

However, at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> this year many will graduate or finish even <strong>the</strong>ir masters so we need to 

find ano<strong>the</strong>r solution to keep <strong>the</strong>m involved in <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> our SC and also to remain 

in contact with <strong>AAPG</strong> by upgrading to Associate members.



46 

9. The 2010 – 2011 SC Leadership Committee 

After a magnificent year doing many activities in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> students and <strong>AAPG</strong>, on 

which we are very proud, it’s time to elect <strong>the</strong> future Leadership Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong>. 

Also it was time to change our <strong>AAPG</strong> Faculty Advisor, Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu felt that his 

successor, Dr. Relu Roban, will continue his work with great success. 

Tudor Eugen 

Alexandra Rîcu 

Maria Plăcintă 

Lucia Pr<strong>of</strong>eta 

Position Name E-mail Member 

Number 

President Eugen TUDOR eugen.tudor@scout.ro 10061407 

Vice- 

Alexandra RÎCU ricu_alexandra@yahoo.com 10061417 

President 

Secretary Maria PLǍCINTǍ maria_ig08@yahoo.com 10061400 

Treasurer Lucia PROFETA lastprophet@ymail.com 10061401 

<strong>AAPG</strong> Faculty Advisor: 

Lect. Dr. Relu Roban 

Faculty co-sponsor: 

Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Nicolae Anastasiu 

Faculty co-sponsor: 

Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Ovidiu Dragastan



47 

10. Acknowledgements 

In this last page we want to express our sincere appreciation for <strong>the</strong> commitment that <strong>AAPG</strong> 

and <strong>the</strong> European Region has towards <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong>’s pr<strong>of</strong>essional training and <strong>edu</strong>cation in <strong>the</strong> 

world <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>sciences. 

Without your support and beliefs this chapter would have had a different path and <strong>the</strong> students 

would not have benefited from <strong>the</strong> programs implemented today. 

In this spirit, we will continue to foster <strong>the</strong> knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>geo</strong>sciences and tell <strong>the</strong> students or to 

common people about Geology, Energy and Environment, in one word - <strong>AAPG</strong>. 

Fig.52. Surrounded by different types <strong>of</strong> carbonate depositional systems and structures, <strong>the</strong> BSC team salutes <strong>AAPG</strong>, 

looking forward to ano<strong>the</strong>r great year 

Thank you <strong>AAPG</strong>! 

<strong>Bucharest</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Chapter</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>AAPG</strong>

Final Report of the Bucharest Student Chapter of AAPG - geo.edu.ro

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