It is my pleasure to welcome you to San Antonio, Texas, for GSA Connects 2025!

San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the U.S., sits at the meeting of the coastal plain and the Hill Country, shaped by more than 300 years of history and a rich geologic past. The underlying geologic structure of the area was formed by the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic separation of the North American, South American, and African plates. The expanding and subsiding Gulf of Mexico basin accommodated as much as 15,000 meters of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments. The Balcones Fault Zone divides the uplifted Cretaceous marine section of the hill country from the Cenozoic terrigenous clastic formations of the coastal plain. The city of San Antonio owes its existence to groundwater from the fractured and karstic limestone of the Lower Cretaceous Edwards Group, which naturally discharges at valley springs along the Balcones Fault Zone, forming the headwaters of several coastal rivers.

Indigenous people camped near the headwaters of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek for nearly 10,000 years. Spanish settlers arrived in the early 1700s, followed in the 19th century by other European and U.S. settlers. Today, this unique history and geology are reflected in the themes of GSA Connects 2025: Energy & Resource Innovations in the 21st Century, highlighting the Eagle Ford Shale as one of Texas’ most productive formations; Geology Without Borders, emphasizing the migration of agriculture, culture, and resources between nations; and From Earth to the Cosmos: Geoscience Beyond Our Planet, underscoring Texas’ role as a hub for planetary science.

The 2025 GSA Connects meeting will be held at the Henry B. González Convention Center, the largest in South Texas and conveniently located near Austin, Dallas, and Houston. The meeting will feature a full program of topical sessions, Pardee sessions, short courses, and field trips, with engaging activities designed for students, early-career geoscientists, and K-12 educators, alongside a vibrant exhibit hall.

If you need a break from the meeting, San Antonio offers plenty to explore. Natural Bridge Caverns, the most extensive cave system in the area, invites visitors underground to experience Texas’ karst landscapes. Mission Concepción and Mission Espada, both national historic landmarks, showcase 18th-century architecture and history. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area features an enormous pink granite dome perfect for hiking. You can also stroll along the San Antonio River Walk, take a boat tour, or visit the historic San Pedro Springs. And of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing the Alamo. A walk from the convention center through the Alamo leads to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl, a repurposed brewery now home to gourmet eateries, artisan shops, and a bustling marketplace.

San Antonio is also known for its culinary excellence, with a diverse dining scene within walking distance of the convention center. From traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex to Latin American, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisines, the city offers something for every palate.

We look forward to welcoming you to San Antonio for this exciting gathering of geoscientists, where you will engage in cutting-edge discussions, explore a fascinating landscape, and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Enjoy GSA Connects 2025!

Saugata Datta
GSA Connects 2025 General Chair