Introduction
IUGS promotes and encourages the study of geological problems, especially those of world-wide significance, and supports and facilitates international and interdisciplinary cooperation in the Earth sciences. IUGS gives special consideration to: a) international standards; b) geoscience education; c) geoscience information; d) environmental management and hazards. IUGS works through topic specific Commissions, Task Groups, and Initiatives as well as Joint Programmes with other organizations, that are concerned with a wide range of geologic research of direct interest to governments, industry, and academic groups within the Earth sciences ."