PRF2022 is a 5-day, NSF-sponsored, GSA Penrose Conference dedicated to bringing together - in person - scientists from Rock Physics, Surface Processes, Soil Science, Stone Heritage, Critical Zone Sciences, Planetary Sciences and Geoengineering discliplines in order to open new doors to a myriad of concepts, applications and validations of all geologic work related to rock fracture.

Specifically, we are leading PRF2022 under the assertion that all natural Earth and planetary surface systems - as well as multifarious constituents of the built environment - are  intimately tied to the progressive - subcritical - growth of fractures in rock.  We are excited to discuss and debate this idea and its ramifications to a wide range of research topics. 

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To further foster a sense of belonging at the conference, we will implement a mentoring scheme in advance of the conference.

The conference will also host an artist-in-residence - Melissa Riker dancer and choreographer.

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Field, laboratory and modeling approaches are all encouraged.

We welcome a full range of

abstract topics -

including but not limited to:

• Climate/Environmental dependence of fracture

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• Fracturing Processes: theory and observations
   

• Landforms, erosion, and/or landscape evolution tied to rock fracture, including:  Rivers, Arches, Erosion Rates, Landslides/Rockfalls, Planetary Processes, Hillslopes

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• Geotechnical issues related to rock fracture

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• Crack-tip chemo-physical processes of subcritical fracture.
   

• Building stone preservation related to rock fracture and vice versa

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• Fracture and stresses related to Topography/Tectonics/Gravity
   

• Fracture and Stresses related to climate, freezing, thermal conditions,  biological processes, salts, chemical Processes
   

• Natural Hazards related to rock fracture

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Key Deadlines & Dates

The conference will be located at the Highland Lake Inn and Resort,  in Flatrock, NC, USA,

June 20-24th, 2022.

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10 March

Last date to receive full conference refund, if payment has been made prior to this date.

15 March

Payment and registration deadline.

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Extended abstract deadline -

 due on GSA Confex system

use link provided in an email from GSA.

3 June

Last opportunity to reserve and pay for airport hotel at group rates.

15 June

Optional deadline to email presentation slides to prf-conference@uncc.edu for pre-loading onto conference system

19 June

Transport departing 2 pm from Charlotte to conference venue (Flat Rock, NC).

If you are driving yourself, please plan to arrive in time for the

Welcome Dinner at 6:30 pm.

20 – 24 June

PRF2022 Conference!

24 June

Transport departing conference venue 3 pm arriving Charlotte ~5 PM

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The conference is planned to be in person. If COVID demands a change, we will reschedule rather than go online. As per GSA policy, only fully vaccinated persons may attend PRF2022, and we will enforce all recommended CDC guidelines for masking, social distancing etc. We also request that - if possible - all attendees be tested for COVID ~24h prior to the conference, recognizing this may not be possible for all travelers. 

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Because of our contractual obligations with the vendors conference costs cannot be adjusted for non-leader participants who choose to stay off-site or drive themselves. 

For Attendees

Registration and Payment

Deadline March 15

We are no longer accepting applications for PRF2022. If you are still interested in attending, email us and if a slot becomes open, you will be notified.