Presented annually, the award highlights work that helps communities understand how Earth science supports societal resilience. That includes clarifying the geoscience role in addressing major economic, environmental, and public-safety challenges—from hazards and resource stewardship to climate and land-use planning.

Sztein’s selection reflects a career focused on expanding access to geoscience education and building international bridges across scientific communities. GSA credits her leadership and advocacy with translating research and expertise into outreach that connects global audiences to how geoscientists interpret Earth systems.

Her geosciences experience includes more than 16 years at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), where she held a range of responsibilities. In one of her key roles as Acting Director of the Board on International Scientific Organizations, she supported activities connected to the U.S. National Committees for four geoscience international scientific unions.

Through this work, Sztein helped coordinate scientific engagement across borders—an approach that matters for disciplines that depend on shared datasets, standardized methods, and coordinated hazard and observation efforts. Such collaboration supports more comparable findings and accelerates progress in interpreting complex planetary processes.

In addition to her work at GSA, she serves as Vice President for North America of the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO). That role emphasizes protecting geologically significant sites and communicating why geological heritage is essential for research, education, and cultural understanding.

GSA’s Interim Executive Director and CEO Bridgette Moore said, “We are proud to have Ester as a member of the GSA team and grateful for the impact she continues to make on our profession and our global community.” Her recognition is expected to amplify momentum around public-facing geoscience initiatives.

Sztein expressed gratitude for the award, noting that it recognizes the value of nurturing both the U.S. and international geoscience community and strengthening its relationship with society. She described the work as especially meaningful in light of the need for informed public understanding of Earth processes.

The AGI award presentation will take place during the Friends of AGI reception on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at GSA Connects 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA.

About the Geological Society of America: GSA is a global professional society with more than 18,000 members in over 100 countries. It advances understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes and fosters collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers, publishing Geology and a broad portfolio of journals, books, and conference proceedings.

Subject of Research: Public understanding of the geosciences
Article Title: Ester Sztein Receives AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences
News Publication Date: 11 October 2026 (award presentation); publication date not provided
Web References: https://www.americangeosciences.org/awards/publicunderstanding/ ; https://connects.geosociety.org/
References: News content provided in the prompt
Image Credits: Not provided
Keywords: geoscience outreach, public understanding, international collaboration, Earth science education, geological heritage, GSA, AGI

The East African Rift System holds profound significance within the geosciences due to its role in continental rifting, a process by which a landmass extends and ultimately fractures, leading to the formation of new ocean basins. The Turkana Rift Zone is particularly enigmatic because it represents a nascent stage of rifting, where the crust begins to thin and deform but has yet to break apart completely. Understanding the mechanisms governing this stage is crucial for broader insights into tectonic evolution and earthquake hazard assessment in this densely populated region.

Rowan et al.’s research focuses on the structural evolution within the Turkana Rift Zone, especially the localized deformation called necking, where the continental crust experiences pronounced thinning in an asymmetric and segmented manner. Their work combines high-resolution seismic imaging with geological data, unveiling a complex pattern of crustal deformation that challenges previously simplistic models of uniform crustal thinning. By integrating geophysical observations with tectonic modeling, the team illustrates how necking zones concentrate strain and create weaknesses that could serve as precursors to full-scale continental rupture.

The study’s data were acquired using state-of-the-art seismic arrays deployed across the Turkana region. These arrays detected variations in seismic wave velocities, which are sensitive to changes in crustal thickness and rock composition. Their readings highlight zones of extreme thinning, where the crust transitions from a typical continental thickness to nearly half that in certain segments. This spatial variability indicates that continental breakup does not proceed evenly but rather occurs in a punctuated fashion, with discrete zones of intense deformation forming the weak points in the lithosphere.

Crucially, the research illuminates how the necking phenomenon correlates with subsurface magmatic activity. Intrusions of magma, often concealed beneath kilometers of rock, appear to exacerbate crustal weakening by heating and fracturing the crustal rocks. This thermomechanical feedback loop plays a pivotal role in accelerating the rift’s evolution. Magmatic processes not only facilitate necking but also contribute to surface expressions such as faulting and earthquake swarms, phenomena frequently observed in the Turkana Rift Zone.

Another important highlight of the study is the characterization of asymmetric extensional strain within the rift. Rather than a symmetrical stretching of the crust on either side of the rift axis, Rowan and colleagues demonstrate that strain distribution is skewed, leading to one flank exhibiting more pronounced thinning and faulting. This asymmetry influences erosion patterns, sediment deposition, and the geomorphology of the rift valley, factors that significantly impact both the geological evolution of the area and its habitability.

The implications of this research extend far beyond academic curiosity. Eastern Africa’s evolving tectonic landscape lies beneath densely inhabited regions, where understanding the timing and nature of rifting processes can inform natural hazard preparedness. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ground subsidence are all potential outcomes of continued rifting and crustal deformation. By delineating the current state of crustal weakening and predicting likely zones of future rupture, the research aids regional risk mitigation efforts, contributing to disaster resilience for local populations.

Moreover, the insights gathered about the Turkana Rift have bearing on global geodynamic theories. Continental rifting is a fundamental tectonic process responsible for shaping Earth’s continents and ocean basins over geological time. Yet, many questions remain regarding the initial stages where continents transition from stable blocks to actively extending and fracturing plates. This study’s detailed characterization of necking advances the field by showcasing the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of early rifting, challenging linear or steady-state conceptualizations of continental breakup.

The study underscores the integrative power of combining geophysical, geological, and geochemical methods for deciphering complex tectonic phenomena. Rowan’s team leveraged seismic tomography alongside field geology and numerical modeling to produce a multidimensional perspective of rift zone evolution. This holistic approach serves as a blueprint for future investigations aimed at unraveling the intricacies of continental deformation across different rift systems worldwide, ranging from mature oceanic rifts to incipient continental splits.

Environmental and climatic consequences also follow from the tectonic processes observed in the Turkana Rift Zone. Rift basins act as traps for sediment and water, influencing local hydrology and biogeochemical cycles. As the crust stretches and subsides, the creation of deep basins can modify regional drainage patterns and ecosystem connectivity. Understanding the geological underpinnings of rift evolution, therefore, also contributes to earth system science fields by linking tectonics with surface processes and environmental change.

Interestingly, the researchers discuss parallels between the Turkana Rift Zone and other prominent rifts such as the Red Sea Rift and the Rio Grande Rift, noting that necking appears to be a common mechanical precursor to continental breakup in diverse tectonic settings. This comparative analysis posits that despite varying tectono-magmatic environments, necking-induced crustal thinning is a fundamental mechanism governing early rift development worldwide. This universality enhances the predictive power of geodynamic models and potentially refines exploration strategies for natural resources often associated with rift settings.

Looking forward, the team highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and advanced seismic imaging to track the temporal evolution of necking zones. The temporal resolution provided by repeated seismic surveys would allow scientists to observe the progression of crustal thinning and magmatic intrusions in near-real time, improving forecasts of tectonic activity and associated geohazards. Furthermore, expanding the geographic scope of such studies to under-investigated regions of the East African Rift could yield a comprehensive framework describing rift evolution on a continental scale.

This pioneering research also carries implications in the context of plate tectonics theory as a whole. The observation that continental breakup may be governed by localized necking and asymmetric strain challenges traditional conceptions of tectonic plates as rigid blocks with uniform boundaries. Instead, the lithosphere appears to behave more dynamically, with zones of weakness and deformation evolving heterogeneously over time. Such findings invite a reevaluation of how tectonic forces distribute stresses within continental interiors and drive geological evolution.

In conclusion, the study by Rowan et al. marks a significant leap forward in our understanding of rift tectonics and continental breakup. By revealing the nuanced and multifaceted processes of necking in the Turkana Rift Zone, the research opens avenues for improved geohazard assessment, refined geological models, and a deeper appreciation of Earth’s dynamic crust. As Eastern Africa stands on the geological cusp of continental transformation, studies like this illuminate not only the forces of nature at play but also the interplay between Earth’s interior dynamics and surface environments shaping humanity’s planet.

Subject of Research: Tectonic deformation and continental breakup processes in the Turkana Rift Zone, Eastern Africa.

Article Title: Necking of the active Turkana Rift Zone and the priming of eastern Africa for continental breakup.

Article References:
Rowan, C.M., Kolawole, F., Bécel, A. et al. Necking of the active Turkana Rift Zone and the priming of eastern Africa for continental breakup. Nat Commun 17, 3585 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71663-x

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71663-x

This breakthrough shifts the paradigm in paleoclimate reconstruction by demonstrating that isotopic ratios commonly used as temperature proxies must be interpreted within the context of geothermal variables. Cherts materialize from silica-rich mud buried hundreds of meters beneath the ocean floor, where they crystallize under complex thermal regimes. The team focused their sampling on the Shatsky Rise, an oceanic plateau located in the western Pacific Ocean east of Japan—a region that provides a dynamic geological setting with varying crustal ages and thermal histories. Their analysis concentrated on the triple oxygen isotopes—^16O, ^17O, and ^18O—which act as atomic fingerprints sensitive to temperature and fluid-rock interactions during rock formation.

Experimental data and isotopic modeling revealed a robust correlation between oxygen isotope ratios in cherts and the spatial variability of paleo-heat flow emanating from the Earth’s interior. Younger oceanic crust, freshly formed from mantle-derived magma, exhibited significantly higher heat fluxes that altered the silica precipitation environment, thereby influencing isotopic fractionation. Conversely, older crust had diminished heat transfer, resulting in a different isotopic signature preserved in the cherts formed there. By integrating geochemical data from international drilling efforts and employing advanced isotopic fractionation models, the researchers quantified historic heat flow with unprecedented precision, offering a novel proxy for reconstructing lithospheric thermal gradients through geological time.

Lead researcher Oskar Schramm emphasized the significance of these findings, highlighting the methodological innovation that enables quantification of ancient geothermal fluxes via oxygen isotope systematics in cherts. Prior to this work, heat flow estimates relied mainly on physical measurements from present-day oceanic crust, which were impossible to extrapolate confidently to the early Earth. This geochemical approach circumvents such limitations, allowing insights into the thermal state of Earth’s lithosphere extending back as far as 3.5 billion years—a critical era when the planet’s surface environment and tectonic regimes were markedly different from today.

Interestingly, the study also unearthed perplexing deviations in oxygen isotope compositions from equilibrium expectations in several chert samples. These anomalies suggest that secondary processes, potentially including interaction with volcanic ash deposits, may have post-depositional influences on isotopic signatures. Volcanoes emitting ash layers into the marine environment could contribute additional silica sources or induce alteration reactions, complicating the interpretation of isotopic data. Current investigations are poised to disentangle these effects, promising more refined interpretations of paleoenvironmental conditions preserved in cherts.

The implications of this research extend far beyond niche geological inquiry. Understanding ancient heat flow patterns informs models of early Earth’s tectonic activity, the thermal evolution of oceanic lithosphere, and the energetic conditions underpinning the origin and sustenance of early life. As heat transfer modulates seafloor hydrothermal circulation—critical for nutrient exchange and chemical gradients—deciphering ancient geothermal regimes may shed light on the environmental niches that shaped primordial biospheres. The fact that cherts encode these deep Earth processes opens a powerful window into the planet’s formative chapters that were hitherto obscured.

This pioneering study was published in the prestigious journal Geology, under the title “Oxygen isotopes in cherts record paleo-heat flow on Shatsky Rise (Western Pacific Ocean).” It represents a triumphant collaboration bridging geochemistry, sedimentology, and geophysics, showcasing how multidisciplinary approaches can resolve longstanding geological enigmas. The collaborative team’s approach combined empirical oxygen isotope ratio measurements with state-of-the-art thermodynamic modeling to tease apart the intricate relationships between oceanic crust maturation and sedimentary rock geochemistry.

Future research directions aim to broaden the geographical scope of chert sampling to other oceanic plateaus and continental margins, testing the universality of the discovered isotope-heat flow relationship. Parallel studies seek to refine the isotopic fractionation models by incorporating additional variables such as pressure effects, seawater composition variations, and diagenetic alteration over geologic timescales. Such refinements will enhance the robustness of paleogeothermal reconstructions and may ultimately enable the construction of high-resolution maps of ancient heat distribution patterns across the globe.

This exploration into cherts’ isotopic archives underscores the evolving narrative of Earth sciences, where traditional proxies gain new complexity and interpretation through integrative science. As isotopic methodologies advance, the stratigraphic record encoded in ubiquitous sedimentary rocks like cherts will continue to yield transformative insights about our planet’s early environment, tectonic evolution, and the interplay of geological and biological systems.

As the lead author and supervisors reflect on this achievement, it becomes clear that these interdisciplinary endeavors not only expand the frontiers of knowledge but also demonstrate the untapped potential of Earth’s geological record preserved in seemingly ordinary rocks. The synthesis of geochemical signatures with tectonic and sedimentary frameworks paves the way for a new era in paleoenvironmental reconstruction, one that recognizes the subtle but profound fingerprints left by Earth’s internal heat engine on the crustal archives.

In summary, this groundbreaking research reveals that cherts’ oxygen isotopes serve as resilient geochemical thermometers calibrated by the thermal energy escaping from the Earth’s mantle through oceanic crust. Such insights recalibrate our understanding of ancient climate proxies and open novel avenues to explore the geological and thermal evolution of our planet, enhancing our grasp of Earth’s profound deep-time history.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Oxygen isotopes in cherts record paleo-heat flow on Shatsky Rise (Western Pacific Ocean)

News Publication Date: 8-Sep-2025

Web References:
https://doi.org/10.1130/G53296.1

References:
Schramm, O., et al. (2025). Oxygen isotopes in cherts record paleo-heat flow on Shatsky Rise (Western Pacific Ocean). Geology. DOI: 10.1130/G53296.1

Image Credits: Oskar Schramm

Keywords:
Geologic history, Isotopes, Sedimentary rocks, Earth sciences, Geochronology, Physical geology, Geology, Earth crust, Geologic periods, Paleolithic age, Planet Earth, Isotope fractionation

Emily Orzechowski’s journey towards this significant role has been nothing short of impressive. Prior to joining GSA, she honed her skills at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), where she effectively managed legislative relationships involving over 120 member institutions dedicated to Earth system science. This experience has endowed her with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in aligning scientific realities with legislative frameworks, making her a perfect fit for GSA’s mission. Her previous roles as an AAAS Congressional Science Fellow in Senator Michael F. Bennet’s office and as a fellow at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Climate Adaptation Science Center illustrate her proficiency in the realm of science policy.

Moreover, her international experience as a delegate to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France, showcases her ability to engage with global stakeholders on issues relating to Earth sciences, further elevating her profile in the context of international geoscience discussions. Notably, her background as a paleontologist equips her with a nuanced perspective on the historical underpinnings of geological phenomena and the practical implications of current environmental challenges.

Orzechowski’s academic credentials are equally commendable. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, a top institution renowned for its rigorous programs and influential research output. Her dissertation focused on environmental changes captured in the Pleistocene marine terraces of Southern California, illustrating her capability to conduct significant research that bridges past geological events with present-day climatic discussions. Furthermore, her undergraduate education at the College of William and Mary, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Biology with Interdisciplinary Honors in Geology, laid a solid foundation for her scientific acumen.

Her forthcoming role at GSA is articulated through a commitment to enhance science-informed policies that are essential for addressing pressing societal issues, including climate change, natural resource management, and public safety. “I am honored to join GSA in its mission to advance geoscience through policy advocacy,” Orzechowski expressed, underlining her resolve to elevate GSA’s priorities in Washington and beyond. Her eagerness to leverage science as a tool for effective public policy is indicative of the forward-thinking approach that she brings to her new position.

Melanie Brandt, the CEO and Executive Director of GSA, has echoed similar sentiments regarding Orzechowski’s appointment. She accentuated Orzechowski’s robust background in science policy and legislative relations as crucial assets that will contribute to the organization’s ongoing effort to ensure that sound scientific knowledge informs public policy. This alignment with GSA’s overarching objectives signifies a strategic move towards reinforcing the geosciences’ standing within the legislative framework.

Nathan Niemi’s comments, Acting President of the GSA Council, further illuminate the urgency of advocacy for geosciences in the current political environment. Niemi’s assertion that advocacy is more crucial now than ever resonates with the challenges that the scientific community faces in an increasingly polarized public domain. GSA’s commitment to supporting its members in public-sector roles, advocating for geoscience research, and addressing geoscience-related challenges highlights an urgent need for collaboration between scientists and policymakers.

One of the pathways through which Orzechowski aims to enhance this collaboration is by fostering stronger connections between research findings and decision-making processes at various government levels. Such synergies are vital in shaping policies related to natural resource management, climate resilience measures, and public safety, thereby ensuring that geoscientists have a meaningful role in forming and influencing public policy discussions.

As the climate crisis continues to dominate global discourse, Orzechowski’s leadership is set to play a pivotal role in guiding GSA’s advocacy strategies. Her commitment to pushing for science-informed legislation will be invaluable in addressing the myriad challenges stemming from anthropogenic climate impacts and natural resource scarcity. Science-backed policies not only facilitate informed decision-making but also empower communities to enact necessary changes for sustainable environmental management.

In her new capacity, Orzechowski also plans to engage with policymakers and stakeholders through various platforms to advocate for geoscience-related issues. By elevating the conversations surrounding Earth sciences in public policy, she aims to ensure that they receive the attention and resources necessary to address the complexities of the global climate crisis. The culmination of her extensive background in science policy and geoscience research positions her to be a formidable advocate for the field, driving initiatives that bring science and policy closer together.

As the GSA embarks on this new chapter under Orzechowski’s direction, members of the geoscience community can look forward to enhanced advocacy efforts and strategic initiatives that acknowledge the critical intersection of science and policy. Emphasis on engaging diverse stakeholders, including scientists, educators, and community leaders, will fortify the role of geosciences in effective policy creation. The society’s capacity to influence public legislation will be transformed under her leadership, ensuring that vital geological understanding informs not merely academic debates but the practicalities of governance and community resilience.

By navigating the complexities of science and legislation, Orzechowski is poised to spearhead initiatives that resonate beyond academia, compelling policymakers to prioritize geoscience as a critical component in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Her role embodies a broader movement within the geosciences, advocating for a future where informed perspectives from scientists are integral to the public policy decision-making processes shaping society’s collective response to environmental challenges.

This moment in GSA’s history serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating scientific insight with policy advocacy. As Orzechowski steps into her new role, the geoscience community anticipates a wave of innovative strategies that align scientific understanding with the urgent dialogues inherent in public policy.

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Subject of Research: Geoscience Policy
Article Title: Emily Orzechowski Appointed Director of Geoscience Policy & External Relations at GSA
News Publication Date: [Insert Date]
Web References: [Insert URLs]
References: [Insert References]
Image Credits: [Insert Credits]

Keywords: Geoscience, Policy Advocacy, Climate Change, Legislative Relations, Public Safety, Natural Resource Management, Earth Sciences, Science Policy, Paleontology, Environmental Changes, Community Resilience, Science Communication.