9th International Symposium on the Ordovician System, 7th International Graptolite Conference ＆ Field Meeting of the International Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy

The “9th International Symposium on the Ordovician System, 7th International Graptolite Conference & Field Meeting of the International Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy” commenced on August 12,2003, by receiving in San Juan City to all participants of the pre-symposia field trip through the Precordillera of Mendoza and San Juan provinces, western Argentina. On August 13, the field trip began with the purpose to show significant Lower Paleozoic outcrops from diverse settings of the Precordillera geological province. This fivedays excursion was led by Drs. S. H. Peralta.     

The Ⅷ International Geological Congress, Paris 1900

France wanted to be the world centre of science and culture at the time of the Universal World Exhibition in 1900 and therefore welcomed several international con- gresses to Paris that year, including the VIII Interna- tional Geological Congress. Some of the participants and organisers of this meeting are described and the participants and contributions are analysed by country. Topics in physical geography, tectonics and mineral deposits attracted particular attention. The main Con- gress themes are described and details of the numerous field excursions are also provided. No major scientific advances occurred as a result of the Congress but it pro- vided the opportunity for valuable exchanges of infor- mation and ideas and impetus to several fields.     

Fourth South American Symposium on Isotope Geology （IV SSAGI）

An increasing number of geologists in South America have turned their attention to isotope geology as a tool in the wider context of the Earth Sciences. As a result, a series of symposia on the South American isotope geology (SSAGI) has been organized every two years to provide an appropriate forum for discussion of methods and applications of stable and radiogenic isotopes.     

Gondwana to Asia： Fourth International Symposium

The international symposium as titled above was held in Fukuoka, Japan from 8 to 10 November 2007. It was supported by seven organizations such as Kyushu University, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, IGCP 512, etc. The same symposium was held by the International Association for Gondwana Research in collaboration with Gondwana-related scientific projects in Chouchong, South Korea （2004）, Beijing （2005）, and Hong Kong （2006）.