American Association of Petroleum Geologists

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The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (or AAPG) is currently the world's largest professional geological society with over 30,000 members as of 2004. The AAPG works to advance the science of geology (especially in regard to exploration for and production of petroleum), to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct. AAPG was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Currently almost 1/4 of its members live outside the United States.

To fulfill its mission, AAPG publishes the AAPG Explorer magazine and AAPG Bulletin scientific journal, holds an annual meeting including a technical conference and exhibition, sponsors other conferences and continuing education for members around the world, promotes student involvement in the profession, and provides various other services to its members.

AAPG also includes divisions focused on particular aspects of the profession. These include the Division of Environmental Geosciences, Division of Professional Affairs, and the Energy and Minerals Division.

In 2006 the AAPG was criticized for selecting a work of fiction, Michael Crichton's State of Fear, for their Journalism Award. Daniel P. Schrag, a geochemist who directs the Harvard University Center for the Environment, called the award "a total embarrassment" that he said "reflects the politics of the oil industry and a lack of professionalism" on the association's part. (The award has since been renamed the "Geosciences in the Media" Award. [http://www.aapg.org/explorer/president/2006/06june.cfm

The AAPG is the only major professional organization in the natural sciences that formally rejects the likelihood of human influence on recent climate (see Scientific opinion on climate change).[1]