What would it take for millions of Americans to make the switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to natural gas vehicles (NGVs)? In what seems like a replay of a bad 1970s movie with high oil prices, prominent energy security risks and fluctuating emissions and regulations - Americans are looking for alternatives to gasoline. EARTH magazine put NGVs to the test in the November issue. Author Castlen Kennedy buckled up for the ride of her life as she and some of her colleagues conducted a 10-day, 4,200-kilometer-long, cross-country trip in a natural gas powered SUV to gain firsthand exposure to the benefits and downfalls of natural gas vehicles.
News and Announcements
What do energy resources for the future, understanding earthquakes to improve resiliency, and educating the next generation of geoscientists all have in common? Federal policymaking informed by the geosciences. If you are passionate about the role geoscience plays in the federal legislative process, consider applying for the American Geosciences Institute's William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship for 2012-2013. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to spend a year on Capitol Hill working in a congressional office and learning about the legislative process.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 - 15:05
Haboobs, giant dust storms, walloped Arizona last summer - some close to 2 kilometers high and 160 kilometers wide - knocking out electricity, creating traffic jams and grounding airplanes. Even old-timers say they can't remember anything quite like this year's aerial assaults. Meanwhile Texas is experiencing one of the most extreme droughts in recent history, with almost 90 percent of the state in the most extreme level of drought. Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and other states are also experiencing drought conditions. The worry is that this might just be the start of a trend, as EARTH reports in the November issue: Over the next couple of decades, researchers say, the American West will transition to an environment that may make the 1930s Dust Bowl seem mild and brief.
Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 16:05
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) will provide an online professional development guide for workshops on NASA geoscience, technology, engineering and mathematics content with the official launch of the NASA Triad web site on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - 16:05
The American Geosciences Institute has released a new Geoscience Currents that examines the choices by geoscience students when provided up to five free memberships in geoscience societies. Data from 2009-2011 is presented showing trends in student preferences and/or influences from advisors. AGI's Geoscience Currents provide snapshots of helpful data regarding current trends and the status of the geoscience discipline.
Friday, October 28, 2011 - 16:05
Geoscience careers encompass a diverse set of opportunities that appeal to a wide range of individuals. Geoscientists work all over the planet in all possible work environments in support of stewardship of the Earth. The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has created a series of educational brochures and career guides to inspire the next generation of geoscientists. These materials answer the question, why geoscience?, and shed light on the positive job environment during the difficult economic climate.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 16:05
Does someone you know teach Earth science to students between kindergarten and eighth grade? Do they excel in their teaching through leadership and innovation, bringing new ideas and approaches to teaching about our planet? If so, they may be eligible for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award recognizes one classroom teacher nationwide for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 16:05
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) now offers free videos and other electronic resources to help students, educators, and others explore the big ideas of Earth science during Earth Science Week 2011 (9-15 October) and throughout the year.
Friday, October 7, 2011 - 16:05
The universe is repulsive, but in a good way. In 2008, while studying bursts of light emitted from exploding stars, newly named Nobel Laureates Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter and Brian P. Schmidt discovered one of the most mysterious, yet prevalent, components of our universe: dark energy. The three were using the brightness and color from supernovae to determine the speed with which the universe expanded in the past, versus how fast it is expanding now. What they discovered completely transformed how astronomers view the evolution of space. The growth of our universe through time is accelerating. The culprit? Dark energy.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - 16:05
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. Wayne D. Pennington as its new President. He will be inducted at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Monday, October 3, 2011 - 16:05