To better understand Rome itself, archaeologists are using a new method - the buildup of travertine within the Anio Novus aqueduct - to determine how much water flowed into Rome. The Anio Novus aqueduct is an ideal study candidate because not only was it the longest aqueduct, but it also has an associated written history. With modern understanding of flow rates and some calculus, researchers were able to extrapolate a flow rate for the aqueduct. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Scott Burns, engineering geologist and geomorphologist and media personality was recognized by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) with its Outstanding Contribution to the Understanding of Geoscience award. His award was presented at a ceremony at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting hosted in Baltimore, Maryland. Burns, nominated by a group of his peers, personifies AGI’s mission of “Connecting Earth, Science, and People.’ He is recognized for his contagious enthusiasm for geoscience, and has enhanced the public’s understanding of the geosciences through outreach, teaching, volunteering and media support. [Read More]

At the 2015 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, the American Geosciences Institute recognized Rodney C. Ewing with the Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service in the Geosciences. Over his career, Ewing has bridged disciplines to develop new applications of geologic and materials sciences and advanced science itself in the publications of interest. It is especially noteworthy that he has served and continues to serve on many advisory committees and policy boards focused on nuclear energy and the environment. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - In a Utah cave, paleontologists are exploring the fossil record preserved in owl pellets since the Pleistocene glaciation. The fossils in the pellets are giving scientists a glimpse of how ecosystems have changed over time, both from natural variation and more recent changes brought on by human activities. By studying the pellets, scientists have been able to assess the energy flow through the ecosystem and how the addition of non-native plants such as cheatgrass is recorded in the geologic record. [Read More]

You are invited to join in celebration of the 6th Annual National Fossil Day on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. National Fossil Day is organized by the National Park Service as part of AGI’s Earth Science Week to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts. On National Fossil Day, scientists and park rangers will share fossil discoveries at special events nationwide and explain the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. [Read More]

On Tuesday, October 6, geoscience community leaders from Colorado’s schools, government, industry, and nonprofit sector met to discuss and celebrate the value of geoscience in education. The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) organized the event as a special celebration of Earth Science Week (October 11-17) and presented Denver-area schools with custom-designed Earth Science Week 2015 Toolboxes during the event. This unprecedented event was organized by the AGI to facilitate continuing partnerships among stakeholder organizations in the local geoscience community. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce two city-specific celebrations of its annual geoscience awareness campaign, Earth Science Week, taking place October 11-17, 2015. Earth Science Week Denver and Earth Science Week Houston will serve as major centers of public awareness activities. In Denver and Houston, AGI is collaborating with geoscience organizations and public schools to extend and deepen the reach of the successful Earth Science Week campaign with special events, educational materials, online resources, and activities in schools and other settings. [Read More]

Water demand in communities nationwide is decreasing due to better efficiency and more effective conservation programs, but also due to demographic shifts that may require a rethink in the way that water is modeled. In the October issue, EARTH Magazine reports on changes in how US citizens use water, how water usage varies by state, and how demand is no longer as strongly correlated with population growth as it once was. [Read More]

Americans are reminded in September to be prepared for natural hazards during “National Preparedness Month.” A major goal of preparedness is to provide early warnings for earthquakes. Earthquake early warning (EEW) is exactly what it says: It is an early warning that shaking is coming and it can typically give a few seconds to a few minutes, at most, of warning. The October cover story in EARTH Magazine explores the development of EEW systems in California, Oregon, and Washington. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has released a report assessing the academic experiences of Master’s candidates in geology, geography or hybrid geology-geography programs. The study titled, “Geoscience Career Master’s Preparation Survey” sought to understand students’ experiences, their career goals and interests, and how well they are being prepared to enter into non-academic positions. Students surveyed mostly wanted to pursue government or industry-related positions, and that individuals ranging from research advisors and faculty, to significant others and family members influenced their career decisions. [Read More]