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History |
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| Acta Geologica Hispanica (1966-2002). The precursor of Geologica Acta. |
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Acta Geologica Hispanica has been a journal
devoted to the Earth Sciences. The publication of
Acta Geologica Hispanica began in 1966 as a result of a joint venture
between the University of Barcelona and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC).
Along the course of 37 years, the journal has played a significant role in the
dissemination of regional and conceptual contributions within the framework of
the geological sciences (Figure 1).
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Figure 1. Number of articles published Acta Geologica Hispanica
from 1966 to 2002, Classified as a function of Earth Science disciplines.
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Originally the main goal of this journal was to provide Spanish geologists with
a fast publication medium to divulge research work. Since the 1970's, an active
exchange programme prompted the distribution of Acta Geologica Hispanica in 402
worldwide research centers (Figure 2), from which 128 are located in Spain, 176
in Europe, 37 in USA and Canada, 31 in South America and the Caribean, and 30 in
other countries such as Japan, China, India, Turkey, Israel, Australia and
different countries from Africa.
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Figure 2. Distribution of Acta Geologica Hispanica in research
centers worldwide. The same initial distribution will be achieved for
Geologica Acta.
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Following this first expansion stage, during the 1990's the journal was
consolidated in the scientific community, with an increased number of articles
of higher scientific impact. During this period the articles focused on studies
carried out in different areas of the world, especially in South America (Figure
3). Also, contributions from international research teams underwent an important
increase (Figure 4), especially with respect to Spanish contributions. In the
1990's, extended summaries in English were included for Spanish and Portuguese
manuscripts. A variety of Earth Science papers were published in the normal
issues of the journal. Furthermore, special issues covering regional geology
(Andes, Cuba and Antarctica) with special attention to South America and The
Caribbean were published in the last decade. Also, special issues on specific
subjects and disciplines (Palaeontology - Biostratigraphy, Palaeomagnetic studies,
Palaeosismicity, applications of isotopic methods) were published.
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1998-2002
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Figure 3. Number of articles published in the period 1990-2002 in
Acta Geologica Hispanica. They have been classified as a function of
location of the study area. A similar but more varied distribution is
expected for Geologica Acta.
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In the period 1998 to 2000 an important effort was made to:
- Guarantee the regularity of the publication.
- Speed up the revision and publication processes.
- Increase the quality and diversity of articles.
- Increase the impact of articles and the diffusion of the journal.
In 2000 the regularity and periodicity of the publication was guaranteed, and a
higher impact among the Spanish-speaking Earth Sciences community was attained.
At the same time an increased number of manuscripts in English were published
(57 of 112 articles published in 1998-2001, Figure 5). Furthermore, extended
abstracts in English for non-English manuscripts have been requested since 1999.
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1998-2002
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Figure 4. Number of articles published in the period 1990-2002 in
Acta Geologica Hispanica. They have been classified as a function of the
nationality of first authors. An increase of foreign contributions is
expected for Geologica Acta.
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1998-2002
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Figure 5. Number of articles published in the period 1990-2002 in
Acta Geologica Hispanica, classified as a function of language. Geologica
Acta will be published in English.
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| In its last four years the journal
covered a series of multidisciplinary fields in Earth Sciences from different
regions of the world (Figures 1, 3 and 4), with a larger contribution from South
America and the Caribbean. The quality of the contributions is ensured by a
rigorous review process (at least, two referees and one member of the editorial
board reviewed each manuscript submitted for publication to
Acta Geologica Hispanica).
Furthermore, there was a trend to increase the number of printed issues. The
journal has also been available for free on
Table of contents. |
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The renewed journal (2003). Geologica Acta |
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| Renewal of the journal |
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On the basis of the above-mentioned experience, and in view of the current trends
in scientific communication, the conclusion was reached that the journal needed a
renewal of objectives and an expansion of the distribution. Also, and along the
same lines, it has been deemed necessary:
- To change format and name. The editorial board prepared a completely different journal format (see attached copy of the new format) which includes the change in name of the journal from Acta Geologica Hispanica to Geologica Acta. The first issue of this new journal will be published in March 2003.
- To publish all papers in English.
- To continue with enabling free download of the journal through a new internet address (geologica_acta.com) starting in February-March 2003.
- To renew and expand the Scientific Committee according to new objectives, which are:
- To promote this new journal as an efficient instrument for the quick spreading of multidisciplinary Earth Science research, building especially on the base of the strategic position and relationships among several European and American research groups.
- Geologica Acta will be a general journal that will aim at the publication of articles in the broad field of the Earth Sciences. Its scope will be twofold and will include, (i) relevant conceptual developments in any area of the geological sciences, and (ii) articles devoted to the geology of Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, the Caribbean and other regions. The publication of thematic issues and monographic volumes presenting the results from one or more research groups, and special issues including sets of short papers is also contemplated.
- To increase the focus on relevant conceptual Earth Science developments.
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Editorial managing. Advisory Scientific Board
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The articles submitted to Geologica Acta will be
analyzed for content and sent to a minimum of two referees for review. The
publication of thematic issues or monographic volumes presenting the results from
one or more research groups is also contemplated.
Geologica Acta will be still published by
the same organizations (UB and CSIC) and will have a renewed and enlarged
editorial board.
The Managing Editors and the Scientific Advisory Board of
Geologica Acta will guarantee the management and
publication of the journal, including calls for papers, surveillance for peer
reviewing, systematic scientific and editorial review, and rapid printing and
electronic publication. These Committees will advise on the editorial policy of
the journal and guarantee its quality through paper reviewing.
To achieve the above-mentioned goals and scope it has been considered
imperative for the new editorial boards (i.e., Managing Editors
and Advisory Scientific Board) of
Geologica Acta to be
multidisciplinary and international in nature and to include well-known
representatives from the different fields of the Earth Sciences and from
different parts of the world. In 2002, extensive contacts were carried out to
increase the number of the members of the Scientific Committee, and a completely
renewed international committee was achieved by mid 2002, covering a wide range
of expertises in different Earth sciences disciplines.
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Geologica Acta, the successor journal of
Acta Geologica Hispanica is aiming at
strengthening its presence as an international, innovative and high-quality means
of scientific dissemination in the Earth Sciences.
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