Alexandria, VA - Recent analysis of over 400 responses from the National Geoscience Student Exit Survey from 71 geoscience departments identified distinct trends for bachelor’s-, master’s- and PhD-level participants on quantitative classes and core science courses. Notably, 70% of all participants had taken Calculus I and II; following those courses, there was a significant drop in bachelor’s- and master’s-level candidates pursuing further mathematics coursework. Meanwhile, PhD candidates listed multiple courses past Calculus II. [Read More]

EARTH: New Subduction Zone May Close Atlantic Ocean Alexandria, VA — Throughout the history of Earth, supercontinents have formed and ocean basins have opened and closed over timescales of 300 million to 500 million years. But scientists haven’t found direct evidence of the in-between phase — an ocean basin that was opening, starting instead to close — until now. Thanks to new high-resolution surveys of the seafloor, scientists think they have evidence of that process starting in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - View a new webcast detailing resources, events, and opportunities available through Earth Science Week, the annual worldwide celebration of the geosciences! The “Introduction to Earth Science Week 2013” webcast is now available for viewing at your convenience. This free webcast provides an overview of learning activities, instructional materials, career resources, upcoming events, networking opportunities, contests, videos, and other programs available through Earth Science Week. The tutorial includes a wealth of online links, which viewers can click during the presentation to review available resources. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The world is diversifying its energy portfolio with renewable energy technology. However, one of the biggest hurdles renewable technologies need to overcome is inherent variability: humans can’t control when the sun shines or how much the wind blows. There’s also variability on the demand side, with people needing more energy during certain times of the day and certain months of the year. Thus, to truly make the most out of renewable energy resources, geoscientists are working with engineers to help translate natural energy fluxes into products that can be delivered to the grid on an as-needed basis. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - In the first study of its kind, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) Workforce Program has published the results of the National Geoscience Student Exit Survey. This report documents the experiences of graduating geosciences majors. Initial findings support that these new graduates, at all levels, shared some common traits such as the importance of field experiences and exposure to Earth science at the K-12 level. The need for continued growth in the geoscience workforce is well documented and supported by its continuance as one of the most lucrative majors at U. [Read More]

Superstorm Sandy slammed against the U.S. Eastern Seaboard in October 2012, inundating iconic communities. Those communities have been rebuilding since then and things are almost back to normal for most. But something else has had to be rebuilt as well: the structured procedures for issuing warnings. The goal is to help communities better comprehend what natural disasters will bring their doorsteps. In an October feature story, EARTH Magazine untangles the complexities scientists faced to motivate local residents to pack up and move. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce the first city-specific celebration of its Earth Science Week campaign, Earth Science Week Houston, which takes place October 13-19, 2013. AGI is collaborating with the Houston Geological Society (HGS) and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to extend the reach of the successful Earth Science Week campaign throughout the Houston area with special events, educational materials, online resources, and activities in schools and other settings. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has released two final reports on the results of an April 2012 workshop for a cohort made up of underrepresented minority individuals seeking careers in academia. The workshop was hosted by AGI and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to disseminate information about opportunities available to future geoscience faculty from member societies, the federal government and by developing campus leadership. Over a 13-month period participants were polled on questions related to how they engaged these entities and what impact the workshop had on their professional development. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Celebrate the second annual Geologic Map Day! On October 18, as a part of the Earth Science Week 2013 activities, join leading geoscience organizations in promoting awareness of the importance of geologic mapping to society. Geologic maps are vital to education, science, business, and public policy concerns. Geologic Map Day will focus the attention of students, teachers, and the general public on the study, uses, and significance of these tools, by engaging audiences through educational activities, print materials, online resources, and public outreach. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — One tornado can be damaging enough; severe weather systems that spawn hundreds of deadly tornadoes in super-outbreaks pose special challenges to the scientific and emergency management communities. Now, scientists have identified certain conditions in the Pacific Ocean that may lead to super-outbreaks over the U.S.’ tornado alley. Researchers are trying to determine if Trans-Niño years, which mark the onset or ebbing of El Niño and La Niña, are the main culprits behind the deadly super-outbreaks. [Read More]