press release

EARTH: Highlights of 2011 - Energy and Economics 2011-2012

Is the United States entering its Lost Decade"? A crunch on natural resources coupled with a crippling economic crisis and an aging workforce threaten to hurl us into a decade or more of grudgingly slow development akin to that of the Japanese after their own real estate bust a few decades ago. Will the United States learn from past mistakes in order to reconcile economic growth with environmental safety? In the December issue of EARTH Magazine, learn how the facts and the fallacies measure up to the increasing challenges facing the United States in 2012 and beyond. "

EARTH: Geotextile Structures - from sludge to shoreline protection to surfing

What do geology and textiles have in common? More than you might think. Since the 1980s, coastal, ocean and hydraulic engineers have been reinforcing coastlines and cleaning up contaminated water from dredge materials and other sludges and slurries with a revolutionary fabric that combines the strength of certain textiles with geoscientific know-how. So far, geotextile structures have been an integral tool in protecting our delicate coastlines; however, the relative infancy of the innovation leaves many questions unanswered about how these geotechnical marvels will interact with the natural environments they are built to protect.

EARTH: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

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.

AGI Accepting Applications for the 2012-2013 William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship

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.

EARTH: Return of the Dust Bowl: Geoscientists Predict a Dry, Dusty Future for the American West

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.

AGI Examines Geoscience Students' Society Membership Choices

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.

Tool-up to inspire future geoscientists

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.

AGI Accepting Applications for 2012 Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching

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.

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