Abstract Geologists whose research deals with environmental problems such as landslides, floods, earthquakes and other natural hazards that affect people's health and safety must communicate their results effectively to the public, policy-makers and politicians. There are many examples of geological studies being ignored in policy and public action; this is in due in part to geoscientists being poor communicators. Scientists often use complicated and difficult to understand language, talk mostly to other scientists, and are not trained to work with the media. They generally are not encouraged by their employers and funding agencies to communicate to non-scientists. Environmental geoscientists must make their research publications more accessible to the public by including plain-language summaries. They should work with media and communications professionals, and seek training in how to communicate better. They need to understand the different approaches that will work with different audiences. Universities, employers and funding agencies should encourage environmental geoscientists to improve communication skills, and to reward attempts to explain their research to non-scientists.

Abstract A review of practical approaches to drift exploration intended for use by exploration geologists working in drift covered areas is presented. The contrasting styles of glacial dispersal between Labrador, dominated by the effects of the Laurentide ice sheet, and the Island of Newfoundland, affected by small, coalescing ice caps at the glacial maximum and smaller topographically-controlled ice centres during deglaciation, are described. The effect has been to produce longer, ribbon-shaped dispersal trains in Labrador, except in the Labrador Trough near the centre of the Labrador sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, and shorter more diffuse dispersal patterns in Newfoundland.