The proposal supports travel for students and early career professionals to attend the Geological Society of America sponsored Backbone of the Americas-Patagonia to Alaska meeting in Mendoza, Argentina, April 3-7, 2006. The meeting is the first of its kind and is bringing scientists from North and South America together to discuss common tectonic problems in the evolution of the Cordilleran orogenic belt. The is allowing these scientists to examine a variety of tectonic problems common to the northern and southern segments of this melt, thus fostering a greater understanding of common tectonic processes that have formed this complex orogenic belt. Support from the National Science Foundation Tectonics Program and the Office of International Science and Engineerings South America Program is providing full funding for travel for early career professionals and students to attend the meeting.
