Alexandria, VA — Readers are advised to download the newly corrected version of the 2013 Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates report. An error was found in the title and x-axis labels on the figure on page 20. The data in the figure displays geoscience graduates that are seeking, or have accepted a job position outside of the geosciences. The associated text has been changed now correctly represents the data presented. [Read More]

An important question asked of recent graduates with geoscience majors is why they chose to major in the earth sciences. Recent analysis of over 400 responses from the National Geoscience Student Exit Survey from 71 geoscience departments identified several common answers among the respondents. Of those surveyed, many declared a geoscience major during their formative undergraduate years for a variety of reasons: Enjoyment working in the outdoors A lifelong interest in the subject Desire for career opportunities Read more [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and the National Park Service (NPS) invite you to participate in the fourth annual National Fossil Day on October 16, 2013, during Earth Science Week (October 13-19). National Fossil Day brings together paleontologists, educators, and students from across the country to participate in fossil-related events and activities outdoors, in classrooms, and online. AGI and the NPS have developed resources and activities to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology, as well as the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. [Read More]

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]