--> ABSTRACT: Litigation and a Perspective on Geologic Quality, by S. M. Landon; #91021 (2010)

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Litigation and a Perspective on Geologic Quality

LANDON, SUSAN M.

Improper use, or lack of use, of geological data continues to negatively influence decision-making regarding environmental cleanup and protection, resource assessment, and sale of investment opportunities.

Criticism of poor geological quality does not mean that the concept of multiple working hypotheses is dead. Rarely, in application of geological principles to solution of a problem, is there one correct answer. The critical control between good geology and bad geology is whether or not an interpretation honors all of the available data. This session presents several viewpoints and case histories regarding the misuse of geology in answering a variety of questions.

The litigious nature of our society is exacerbating misuse of scientific information in general. Examples of "bad" geology include the spectrum from omission to misrepresentation and reasons for poor geological quality range from inexperience to greed. A variety of institutions, including state licensure and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, attempts to reduce or prevent the practice of "bad geology." The Code of Ethics of the AAPG states that "Members shall not make false, misleading, or unwarranted statements, representations or claims in regard to professional matters, ...." Enforcement of the Code of Ethics is the responsibility of our professional community and, at present, is very ineffective.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.