James C. Cobb was appointed State Geologist of Kentucky and Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey on October 1, 1999. Prior to being selected as state geologist, he was the assistant state geologist for research. During his 20 years at KGS, Cobb received more than $4 million in funding for research and published more than 60 articles on geology and mineral resources. He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Cobb's scientific contributions include investigations of coal and minerals and mineral resources assessments.

Society is confronted with a greater variety of geology-related issues than ever before. These include water quality and quantity; resource depletion; reclamation and restoration of disturbed lands; hazards from landslides, sinkholes, and seismic activity; data storage and retrieval; and information dissemination. Geologists should explore new ways to interact and collaborate with other disciplines to help solve some of society's problems.

Since 1854, there have been eleven state geological surveys and Cobb's appointment marks the beginning of the "Twelfth Survey." Under Cobb, the Twelfth Survey will emphasize the creation of a comprehensive database of maps and information on Kentucky's water, fuel, environments, and mineral resources that can be used in geographic information systems (GIS) and accessible to the public on the Internet. Emphasis will also be placed on maintaining the research areas of traditional strength that the survey has.

Hower, J. C., Greb, S. F., Cobb, J. C., and Williams, D. A., 2000, Discussion: Premovic et al., Origin of vanadium in coals: parts of the Western Kentucky (USA) No. 9 coal rich in vanadium, Journal of the Geological Society, in press.

Noger, M. C., Cobb, J. C., and Hall, E. W., 1999, Memorial for Wallace W. Hagan, Geological Society of America.

Weisenfluh, G. A., Cobb, J. C., Ferm, J. C., and Ruthven, C. L., 1997, Kentucky's Coal Industry: Historical Trends and Future Opportunities, Kentucky Geological Survey Information Circular, in press.

Cobb, J. C. and Weisenfluh, G. A., 1997, Coal Resources Estimates in Kentucky--Historical Perspective, 1997 Eastern Section AAPG and TSOP Joint Meeting, September 27-30, p. 28.