The International Union of Speleology (IUS) Commission on Volcanic Caves presents this trip report:
15th International Symposium on Vulcanospeleology
March 15 to March 22, 2012
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
INTRODUCTION
The IUS Commission on Volcanic Caves held another successful international symposium in Jordan in March 2012. These symposia bring together scientists and cavers who are interested in volcanoes, volcanic caves and international travel. Since 1972 these symposia have been held at various locations around the world, including Iceland, Kenya, the Azores, Korea, Mexico, Italy and the United States.
Map of Jordan
Amman - capital city
Zarka - site of the symposium at Hashemite University
As Safawi - site of the post-symposium caving field trip
Wadi Rum - site of my pre-symposium hiking and climbing excursion
This symposium was held in Jordan just outside of the capital city of Amman in Jarka on the campus of Hashemite University from March 15-18, 2012. Hashemite University is the largest university in Jordan, with a student population that is almost two-thirds women. The primary organizer was Professor Ahmad Al-Malabeh, PhD, director of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Hashemite University.
The post-symposium field trip (March 19-22, 2012) was hosted in the basaltic “black desert” of eastern Jordan by Doctor Odeh Al-Meshan, PhD and the Al Badia Center at the National Center for Research and Development in the town of As-Safawi, Jordan.
The following countries were represented at this year’s symposium in Jordan:
Australia
Belgium
Germany
Iraq
Jordan
Netherlands
Switzerland
United States of America
Only two NSS members attended the symposium: David Foran and myself.
The symposium was a success thanks to the generosity of the administration and people of the Hashemite University, the Badia Research Program, Dr. Al-Malabeh, Dr. Al-Meshan, and the kindness and hospitality of the Jordanian people. Everywhere we went we were greeted with beaming smiles and shouts of “Welcome to Jordan!”
More information and photos to follow in additional posts.