We invite you to participate in the International Conference “Marine Geology: Marginal Seas – Past and Future”, organized by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, with the support of Baltic Earth. The conference will take place in Guangzhou, China, from 14 to 18 October 2025, in a hybrid format (on-site and online) with no registration fee.
Marginal seas are transitional zones between continents and oceans and have become a central focus of international marine research. They play a crucial role as buffer zones for the transfer of matter and energy between land and ocean. At the same time, they provide marine resources, contribute to energy production, serve as trade routes, and are hubs for socio-economic development. Many coastal regions and their populations are increasingly threatened by sea-level rise and extreme weather events, making effective coastal zone management of vital importance.
To address these challenges, a network of marine scientists has been established to launch joint initiatives in marginal seas research. This conference will bring together experts to discuss scientific advances and promote international cooperation. Scientific sessions will cover:
- Sources-to-sink models and links to climate development
- River mouth systems and urban seas
- Biogeography and biostratigraphy of marginal seas in deep time
Open discussion topics will include updating the roadmap of the Marginal Seas Initiative, exploring the co-construction of an International Organization on Marginal Seas Science, and potential support to the Deep-time Digital Earth (DDE) program, a global initiative promoting data-driven research in geosciences.
The conference is directly linked to the activities of the Baltic Earth Working Group on Marginal Seas, which addresses the functioning, vulnerability, and sustainable management of marginal seas, including the Baltic Sea, in the context of global change.
We warmly welcome partners to submit abstracts, present their research, and join the discussions.
Important Dates
1st announcement: 30 August 2025
Abstracts due: 20 September 2025
2nd announcement: 21 September 2025
Registration (online): 30 September 2025
Final program: 30 September 2025
Registration (on-site): 14 October 2025
Conference: 14–18 October 2025
Departure: 18 October 2025
