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section on a one-day preconference excursion from Nanjing before the Second International Palaeontological Congress in Beijing. Shuzhong Shen of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology and Charles Henderson of the University of Calgary were joint excursion leaders. Some three hours after an early start from Nanjing, our bus was met by a police car at a toll point on the toll-way and we were escorted for the final 30 minutes or so through the township of Meishan and on to the Geopark. There the totally unexpected awaited us; the ceremony to celebrate the ratification of the Changhsingian-base was certainly going to be presented with typical Chinese flair. At the Geopark we were met by a number of dignitaries and local people. A large, red inflatable archway, balloons, an elaborate sound system, TV and print media, seating for the VIPs (us) and a huge limestone rock covered with a red cloth completed the special arrangements. Above the cloth-covered rock a permanent stairway and structure had been built of local rock to enable visitors to reach the base-Changhsingian point in the section. Another stairway led to the nearby Permian- Triassic GSSP. Highlighting the entire scene stood a massive black limestone wall depicting the geological time scale with representative fossil animals and plants carved in deep relief. Shuzhong Shen chaired the dedication ceremony. Speeches were made by Professor Jingeng Sha, Director of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Professor Charles Henderson, Chairman of the SPS, Doug Erwin of the SPS and officers from the Changxing local government. Formalities ended with the unveiling of the cloth-covered rock, suitably inscribed to commemorate the occasion. At the same instant large canisters full of fireworks were activated and in seconds we were deafened by the roar, choked by acrid smoke and covered by vast amounts of coloured paper released by the fireworks – a traditional Chinese conclusion to the ceremony! Later the VIP group was taken, again with police escort, to be feted with a banquet in Meishan. Then we returned to the Geopark to inspect the entire 800 m from east to west along the park. The Chinese government is spending large sums to complete the Geopark venture. At the eastern end a palaeontological museum is being constructed and at the western end is a massive, partcompleted entrance gateway structure with models of conodonts and ammonites projecting from its faces. Towards the eastern end of the park, a stand of Gingko biloba trees has been planted. Regional television ran the story of the celebrations that evening and the English language newspaper, the China Daily, featured seven columns on the Geopark and the GSSP ceremony later in the month. We international guests had been part of a big day in Chinese palaeontology and were left pondering at the commitment that the Chinese authorities have for the geosciences. ROGER PIERSON Deakin University Top: Shuzhong Shen and Charles Henderson at the base-Changhsingian GSSP. The actual point is behind Charles' right shoulder. Bottom: Meishan Geopark. The base- Changhsingian GSSP is at the top of the stairs at the left. TAG December 2006 | 21
Earth Science Week 2006 To celebrate Earth Science Week 2006 and to encourage kids to find out more about Earth science and the work of geoscientists, Geoscience Australia in Canberra ran two competitions for local primary and secondary schools. Local Primary Schools tested their creative talents in an art competition 'When I grow up I want to be a geoscientist' and high schools were asked to discuss Sir Douglas Mawson’s geoscientific contributions to Australia. The students were each presented with gold or silver medallions and pieces of amethyst or citrine. Each participating school received a commemorative book on earth science for their library. Winners of Geoscience Australia’s local Primary and High School competitions with the Hon Gary Nairn MP, Geoscience Australia CEO, Dr. Neil Williams and Education Manager, Dr. Kate List. Earth Science Week is an international event which is held in October each year. The aim of the week is to promote an understanding of the significance of earth science to society. It also encourages a sense of responsibility for the use and protection of our natural resources and the environment. For more information please visit the national Earth Science Week website at www.ga.gov.au/about/event/index.jsp 22 | TAG December 2006
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