Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology; 2000;
v. 33;
issue.2;
p. 98
© 2000 Geological Society of London
EDITORIAL
As the new editor of the Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology I am pleased to be entrusted with the stewardship of a thriving journal in fine heart. I owe this inheritance to a long line of previous editors stretching back to Lees and Satterthwaite who edited the first volume in 1967, but more immediately to my predecessor Prof. Chris Clayton who has done much to streamline the reviewing process and expand the expertise of the QJEGH Board. I must also acknowledge the debt I owe to the last Staff Editor Mr David Ogden who played a significant role in this process before he succumbed to the Cornubian charms of life as a freelance editor after 11 years as the anchor man of QJEG. Thus I embark on my three year term ably assisted by our new Staff Editor Helen Knapp.
It is appropriate at this time to note our new title ‘Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology’. This is not a declaration of a new interest but the natural result of the fact that engineering geology is an activity that is at the confluence of many disciplines. We have always welcomed submissions on a wide range of topics relevant to engineering geology including geotechnics, land use planning, contaminated land, waste disposal, geophysics and geomorphology. However, perhaps above all others, hydrogeology is the most important influence on engineering geology and its importance in the journal has increased steadily. The Board thought that it was time that its importance was brought to the fore and the name was changed to demonstrate that engineering geology and hydrogeology, in their many forms, were of equal importance in the scope of the journal and to the readership. I and my fellow Board members, among whom hydrogeology is well-represented, hope that this recognition will encourage more hydrogeologists to publish work on the full range of their activities within the pages of our journal.
A description of the workings of the journal may help our authors with their submissions. Papers are submitted to the Staff Editor at the Geological Society Publishing House in Bath. If an Editorial Board meeting is imminent it will go before it for the selection of an external referee and a referee from the Board; if not referees will be chosen by the Scientific Editors. The paper goes first to the external referee and then to the Board member who will compile a joint recommendation on progress. If there is full agreement by the referees, the paper will be accepted or rejected and, if necessary, returned to the author for revision within a target time of three months. Where there is a difference of opinion between the referees the paper will go before the next meeting of the Board for a decision as to its progress. This may be acceptance, rejection or referral to a third referee who will be carefully chosen to give a definitive opinion on the matter. When a revision is required and the paper is not returned by the author within three months a reminder will be sent informing the author that if it is not returned within a further three months the paper will be considered to have been withdrawn. Papers returned in a revised state after this deadline will still be very welcome but will be considered as new submissions and will enter the refereeing system afresh. Thus any developments pertinent to the subject of the paper since its original submission can be accommodated.
Looking to the future, and how one can meet its challenges, is inherent in starting a new job. What is my vision of the future of QJEGH? Primarily it is to maintain its scientific integrity and status as an international journal of high reputation that encompasses the many aspects of engineering geology and hydrogeology. I will endeavor to ensure that it is in harmony with the needs of the Geological Society and its Specialist Groups, especially the Engineering and Hydrogeology Groups both of whom have representatives on the Board. Now that the QJEGH is on-line there are exciting possibilities including the addition of material that could not be put in a conventional journal, such as more colour plates and perhaps even movie or sound clips. It is an exciting time in publishing but careful decisions must be made and the needs of our readership must be met. Finally it will be my task to ensure that the operation of the journal is a pleasurable one for its Board Members, Scientific Editors and the staff of the Publishing House all of whom put in immense efforts to ensure the success of the journal. I thank them all for their dedication in the past and look forward to working with them for the next three years.
