bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reintroduction of the Arabian oryxOryx leucoryxin Jordan: war and redemption
Authors: Harding Lee E. , Abu-Eid Omar F. , Hamidan Nashat , al Sha'lan Ahmad
Published: December 2007

Following the extinction of the Arabian oryxOryx leucoryxin the wild in 1972 Jordan began a reintroduction programme in 1978 with 11 founding animals. When the herd size reached 31 in 1983 most were released from captive breeding pens into the 342 km2Shaumari Nature Reserve, part of which (22 km2) was fenced the following year to protect the oryx and exclude livestock. The herd grew initially (between 1979 and 1986) at about 23% per year. In 1990, when the herd numbered 79, its management was preparing to release it into the wild outside the fenced reserve. However, Bedouin families fleeing the Gulf War in Kuwait and Iraq brought 1.6 million sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys into Jordan. These livestock so overgrazed potential oryx habitat throughout the arid rangelands that reintroduction was impossible. Overcrowding within Shaumari became apparent by 1995, when the population numbered 186. The herd's rate of increase began to decline as productivity and recruitment decreased and mortality increased. In 1997, to reduce overcrowding, the herd's management began dispersing them to other Middle Eastern countries and to another nature reserve in Jordan. By February 2006, 43 oryx remained at Shaumari. In 2005, however, the prospects improved when the United Nations Compensation Commission awarded Jordan the cost of environmental damages resulting from the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Part of this award is designated for renewal of the captive breeding and reintroduction programme.
Genetic evidence for survival of released captive-bred brown hares Lepus europaeus during restocking operations in Greece
Authors: Stamatis Costas , Suchentrunk Franz , Sert Hakan , Triantaphyllidis Costas , Mamuris Zissis
Published: December 2007

To prevent the decline of the brown hare Lepus europaeus, especially as a result of hunting pressure, restocking programmes, using hares from elsewhere, were carried out in Greece up to 2001. Using diagnostic RFLP mitochondrial DNA markers we traced the origins of released captive-bred brown hares. We provide evidence that released animals survived long enough to have at least one reproductive cycle and to transmit their genome. If, in the long-term, introgressed foreign genes survive, forming new genotypes with indigenous genes, this would demonstrate that they are successful in terms of competition. As nuclear gene pools are not markedly divergent between Greek and other European hares foreign nuclear genes should not be a serious handicap. Hence, in certain situations release programmes may be appropriate.
Causes and spatio-temporal variations of non-natural mortality in the Vulnerable Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti during a recovery period
Authors: González Luis Mariano , Margalida Antoni , Mañosa Santi , Sánchez Roberto , Oria Javier , Molina José Ignacio , Caldera Javier , Aranda Antonio , Prada Luis
Published: December 2007

The analysis of 267 records of non-natural mortality of the Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti over a 16-year period (1989-2004) shows an annual rate of 15.1 individuals found dead per year and that electrocution (47.7%) and poisoning (30.7%) were the most frequent causes of mortality. Most cases (91.7%) were of human origin, and of those 92.3% were accidental. Just over half (50.2%) were related to the transmission of electricity and human activity (collisions and electrocution), and 40.7% related to game practices and livestock protection (control of predators). No differences between sexes were found but subadults were electrocuted more frequently than expected whilst adults were poisoned more frequently. In breeding areas poison was the most frequent cause of mortality, whereas electrocution was the most common cause of death in dispersal areas. Poisoning occurred more frequently than expected in the Northern and Southern regions compared to the West-Central region. Electrocution was significantly more frequent in the West-Central region, and less common in the Southern region. The increase in electrocutions over the last few years is associated with previous non-permanent corrections on electricity power lines, whilst the increase in the cases of poisoning appears to be associated with the use of illegal poison in predator control by small game practices and for livestock protection. Permanent corrections in power lines and more research and awareness effort in the small game sector are recommended to reduce human-induced mortality in this Vulnerable species.
Whither EU Social Policy? An Account and Assessment of Developments in the Lisbon Social Inclusion Process
Authors: DALY MARY
Published: December 2007

The study of EU social policy highlights a number of issues especially well, among them the unfolding institutionalisation of a social field in EU politics and policy, and the changing nature of economic and social governance in Europe. This article examines recent EU social policy, following the course of the Lisbon strategy since it got underway in 2000. Focusing on the social inclusion process, the aim is to identify development over time, to review progress critically and to offer some explanation for events. Analysis is centred on an interrogation of the social policy model and the cognitive aspects of the process, especially as they are to be seen in the production of national policy plans and the responses to these on the part of different EU actors. A conclusion drawn is that, while social exclusion has provided an innovative focus within an EU context, the process as a whole is timid and key elements are weak. This is a spur to further analysis and so the article goes on to identify limitations in terms of design, rationale, and the place of the social inclusion Open Method of Coordination (OMC) the revised Lisbon Strategy. In effect, the conditions necessary to realise the new method and social vision are not in place. A key conclusion is that with survival under threat, the need to continually reinvent itself may actually be the death knell of the social process.
Change and Stability in Work Commitment in Norway: from Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: HYGGEN CHRISTER
Published: December 2007

The individual's commitment to work has occupied a central place in much welfare state research. This centrality relates to beliefs that welfare system design influences the ways in which people come to value employment. If, as believed, generous benefit systems diminish citizens' willingness to work, then these systems undermine both the legitimacy and the performance of the welfare state. This article explores change and stability in work commitment in a Norwegian cohort born between 1965 and 1968. We investigate whether and if so how individuals' experience with the welfare system and their personal, family or work experiences influenced their level of work commitment between 1993 and 2003, from adolescence to adulthood. Findings show work commitment as relatively stable across the ten years, with some individual-level change relative to changes in family life (such as becoming a parent) and in work experience (such as long-term unemployment). Results indicate that the fear of disincentive effects on individuals' work commitment is exaggerated.
A Tale of Two Churches: The Ecclesiologies of The Episcopal Church and the Church of England Compared
Authors: Podmore Colin
Published: December 2007

This article compares key aspects of the ecclesiologies of The Episcopal Church and the Church of England. First, it examines and contrasts the underlying logic of their structures and the relationships between their constituent parts (General Synod/General Convention, diocese, parish/congregation). Against this background, it then looks at the place of bishops in the ecclesiologies of the two churches (in relation to clergy and parishes, in relation to diocesan synods/conventions and standing committees, and nationally). The American Presiding Bishop's role is contrasted with the traditional roles of primate and metropolitan. Throughout, attention is given to origins and historical development. Reference is also made to the relevant constitutional, canonical and liturgical provisions. Rapprochement between the two ecclesiologies is noted, especially with respect to the role of the laity, but the article argues that this is far from complete. Each church's ecclesiology continues to be determined by its origins; important modifications have been made within that framework, rather than overturning it. It is hoped that the analysis will illuminate the current disputes within The Episcopal Church and the crisis within the Anglican Communion that they have prompted.
The Contribution of Common Principles of Canon Law to Ecclesial Communion in Anglicanism
Authors: Doe Norman
Published: December 2007

An important recent development in worldwide Anglicanism is the emergence over recent years of a project to articulate the principles of canon law common to the churches of the Anglican Communion. This project seeks to express the juridical character of Anglicanism from a global perspective, not only to underscore the many fundamental values that Anglicans share in terms of their polity, ministry, doctrine, liturgy, rites and property, going to the very roots of Anglican identity, but also as a concrete resource for other churches in ecumenical dialogue with Anglicans. This article traces the development of the so-called ius commune project, describes the methodological challenges which it faces, and the process of producing a draft. It also seeks to compare the project with the juridical experiences of other international ecclesial communities, and briefly to place the project in the context of the debate about the adoption of an Anglican Covenant, an initiative proposed by the Lambeth Commission in 2004.
Ranging behaviour of Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres from an endangered population in Namibia
Authors: Bamford Andrew J. , Diekmann Maria , Monadjem Ara , Mendelsohn John
Published: December 2007

The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is an obligate cliff-nesting vulture endemic to southern Africa. Its range and population size have declined markedly over the last century. Namibia has just one colony, located on the cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau, with a population estimated to be eight adult birds, including two females. The species is regarded as Critically Endangered in Namibia, and establishing a secure breeding population may require intensive management. Data on movements, foraging range and behaviour of Cape Vultures, important in any management programme, have been lacking. Five adult males and one immature were captured near the Waterberg site and fitted with satellite-tracking devices. Only two of the adult vultures still roosted on the cliffs and only one of those exclusively; the other individuals roosted in trees. Three individuals were observed building and attending to nests in trees, and, for one of these, the partner was identified as an African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus). The foraging range of the adult birds was large compared with other studies of this species. Most foraging took place on freehold farms. All adults avoided areas of communally owned land where wild ungulates are uncommon, thus further decreasing their potentially available food supply. Two ‘vulture restaurants’, feeding sites specifically for vultures, within the foraging range of the adult birds accounted for a large proportion of their time spent on the ground. The ranging behaviour of adult vultures varied throughout the year, and was apparently related to their nesting behaviour.
Quantifying the illegal parrot trade in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, with emphasis on threatened species
Authors: Herrera Mauricio , Hennessey Bennett
Published: December 2007

We monitored the illegal pet trade in Los Pozos pet market from August 2004 to July 2005. As indicated in Bolivian law, all unauthorized trade in wild animal species is illegal, especially species considered threatened by IUCN. During this period, we recorded 7,279 individuals of 31 parrot species, including four threatened species, two of which were being transported from Brazil through Bolivia to markets in Peru. The most frequently sold species was the Blue-fronted Parrot Amazona aestiva with 1,468 individuals observed during our study, the majority of which (94%) were believed to have been captured in the wild. Most of the purchased birds remain within Bolivia, while the more expensive, threatened species frequently head to Peru; some individuals may even reach Europe. We believe our study describes only a small proportion of the Bolivian parrot trade, underscoring the potential extent of the illegal pet trade and the need for better Bolivian law enforcement.

Resumo

Monitoreamos el comercio ilegal de aves en el mercado de mascotas de Los Pozos, desde agosto de 2004 a julio de 2005. De acuerdo a lo que establece la ley boliviana, todo comercio no autorizado de animales salvajes es ilegal, especialmente de especies consideradas Amenazadas por la IUCN. Durante este periodo, grabamos 7.279 individuos de 31 especies de loros, incluyendo 4 especies amenazadas, de las cuales dos fueron transportadas desde Brasil a través de Bolivia hacia mercados en Perú. La especie más frecuentemente vendida fue el Loro Frente Azul Amazona aestiva, con 1.468 individuos observados durante nuestro estudio, de los cuales creemos que un 94% ha sido capturado en su hábitat natural. La mayoría de la compra de aves permanece dentro de Bolivia, mientras que las más caras especies amenazadas, se dirigen a Perú; algunos individuos pueden incluso alcanzar Europa. Creemos que nuestro estudio describe sólo un pequeão porcentaje del comercio de loro boliviano, subrayando el grado potencial del comercio ilegal de mascotas y la necesidad de una mejor aplicación de la ley boliviana.
Range expansion, density and conservation of the Araucaria Tit-spinetail Leptasthenura setaria (Furnariidae) in Argentina: the role of araucaria Araucaria angustifolia (Araucariaceae) plantations
Authors: Cabanne Gustavo Sebastián , Zurita Gustavo Andrés , Seipke Sergio Hugo , Bellocq María Isabel
Published: December 2007

The Araucaria Tit-spinetail Leptasthenura setaria (Furnariidae) is a globally Near Threatened species. Its habitat, the araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia) rainforest of south-east Brazil and north-east Argentina, is highly fragmented and reduced to nearly 10% of its original range. The species has also been recorded in commercial araucaria plantations that comprise about 80% of its suitable habitat in Argentina. This situation provides an opportunity for the conservation of the Araucaria Tit-spinetail in a human-modified landscape. We assessed the occurrence of the species in the region and estimated its density and total population size in araucaria plantations in Argentina. We discuss the value of plantations in the conservation of the bird, and evaluate its conservation status in Argentina using IUCN criteria. The density of the tit-spinetail in araucaria plantations, estimated by a distance sampling method, was 9 birds ha−1. The overall population size in commercial plantations appears to be large (>7,000 birds), showing that araucaria plantations play an important role in the conservation of the bird. However, plantations must not replace the native araucaria forest because the former are an intrinsically fragmented habitat influenced primarily by economic factors and forestry practices. The long-term conservation and restoration of araucaria rainforest in Argentina and Brazil must be guaranteed to conserve the Araucaria Tit-spinetail and other species associated with this rainforest. Based on the restricted and very fragmented habitat, the Araucaria Tit-spinetail should be regarded as Vulnerable in Argentina.
Student Violence Against Teachers
Authors: Dzuka Jozef , Dalbert Claudia
Published: December 2007

Abstract. This paper presents two studies investigating student violence against teachers in Slovakian secondary schools. The studies aimed at gauging the prevalence of student violence (Study 1) and at testing the hypothesis that teacher well-being can be explained by student violence and by teachers' belief in a just world (BJW) (Study 2). Study 1 examined a representative sample of 364 teachers in one of the eight Slovakian provinces, and found that 177 (49%) of them reported at least one experience of violence in the last 30 days. Reports of violence were particularly widespread in vocational schools in the provincial capital. Study 2 investigated a sample of 108 teachers at Slovakian vocational schools, and found that 60 (55%) of them reported at least one experience of violence in the last 15 days. The more violence the teachers reported, the more often they experienced negative affect, the less often they experienced positive affect, and the less satisfied they were with life. Finally, the BJW was adaptively associated with teacher well-being in terms of life satisfaction and positive affect. For victims of violence, BJW was further associated with negative affect: the more they believed in a just world, the less frequently they experienced negative affect. Consequences for research on teacher health and organizational justice research are discussed.
Justice Motive Theory and the Study of Justice in Work Organizations: A Conceptual Integration
Authors: Bobocel D. Ramona , Hafer Carolyn L.
Published: December 2007

Abstract. Stimulated by the articles in this special issue, we integrate justice motive theory into the study of organizational justice more broadly. We begin by considering a variety of ways that just-world beliefs could relate to perceptions of organizational fairness. Then, we discuss several implications that arise from incorporating the concept of deservingness (central to justice motive theory) more explicitly into the study of organizational justice. Next, we consider, from a justice motive perspective, how organizational fairness might have adverse effects on employees and organizations. Finally, we outline what justice motive theory implies for understanding how employees might react to experiences of organizational unfairness. Along the way, we identify novel directions for research on organizational justice that are suggested by the articles in the special issue and by justice motive theory in general.
Exploring the Complex and Dynamic Nature of Sustained Motivation
Authors: Beltman Susan , Volet Simone
Published: December 2007

Abstract. This paper addresses the issue of sustained motivation over time, in relation to real-life activities requiring complex skills in multiple contexts of participation. It reports an empirical study that explores how high achieving athletes and musicians appraise salient aspects of person and context as affordances and constraints, and how these appraisals shape motivation over time. Longitudinal and retrospective qualitative data were gathered about the life trajectories of 30 adolescent and adult participants, including details of their development in sport and music, people who had influenced them, their beliefs and hopes, difficulties and life events encountered and how these had been dealt with. Three major findings emerged. First, sustained motivation is inextricably linked to both person and context. Second, it is mediated by individuals' ongoing appraisal process of personal and contextual aspects of their current situation, which are interpreted as affordances or constraints. Third, the nature and extent of participation is constantly revised as a result of ongoing changes in personal and contextual circumstances over time.
Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope
Authors: Roberts Harry , Carney Robert , Kupchik Mathew , Fisher Charles , Nelson Kim , Becker Erin , Goehring Liz , Lessard‐Pilon Stephanie , Telesnicki Guy , Bernard Bernie , Brooks James , Bright Monika , Cordes Erik , Hourdez Stephane , Hunt Jesse , Shedd William , Boland Gregory , Joye Samantha , Samarkin Vladimir , Bernier Meaghan , Bowles Marshall , MacDonald Ian , Niemann Helge , Petersen Cindy , Morrison Cheryl , Potter Jeremy
Published: December 2007

Many of the world's productive deepwater hydrocarbon basins experience significant and ongoing vertical migration of fluids and gases to the modern seafloor. These products, which are composed of hydrocarbon gases, crude oil, formation fluids, and fluidized sediment, dramatically change the geologic character of the ocean floor, and they create sites where chemosynthetic communities supported by sulfide and hydrocarbons flourish.

Unique fauna inhabit these sites, and the chemosynthetic primary production results in communities with biomass much greater than that of the surrounding seafloor.
Online Arctic mapping feature unveiled
Authors: Kumar Mohi
Published: December 2007

The Arctic Research Mapping Application (ARMAP), a Web portal of interactive maps and services, can now be used in conjunction with Google Earth. The new feature allows users to readily interface between satellite images, road and political maps, and other baseline information. ARMAP (see http://armap.org) supports Arctic science with special emphasis on promoting the current International Polar Year and is funded by the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs.
Atlantic tropical cyclones revisited
Authors: Mann Michael E. , Emanuel Kerry A. , Holland Greg J. , Webster Peter J.
Published: December 2007

Vigorous discussions have taken place recently in Eos [e.g., Mann and Emanuel, 2006; Landsea, 2007] and elsewhere [Emanuel, 2005; Webster et al., 2005; Hoyos et al., 2006; Trenberth and Shea, 2006; Kossin et al., 2007] regarding trends in North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity and their potential connection with anthropogenic climate change. In one study, for example [Landsea, 2007], it is argued that a substantial underestimate of Atlantic tropical cyclone counts in earlier decades arising from insufficient observing systems invalidates the conclusion that trends in TC behavior may be connected to climate change. Here we argue that such connections are in fact robust with respect to uncertainties in earlier observations.

Several recent studies have investigated trends in various measures of TC activity. Emanuel [2005] showed that a measure of total power dissipation by TCs (the power dissipation index, or PDI) is highly correlated with August‐October sea surface temperatures (SST) over the main development region (MDR) for Atlantic TCs over at least the past half century. Some support for this conclusion was provided by Sriver and Ruber [2006]. Webster et al. [2005] demonstrated a statistically significant increase in recent decades in both the total number of the strongest category cyclones (categories 4 and 5) and the proportion of storms reaching hurricane intensity. Hoyos et al. [2006] showed that these increases were closely tied to warming trends in tropical Atlantic SST, while, for example, the modest decrease in vertical wind shear played a more secondary role. Kossin et al. [2007] called into question some trends in other basins, based on a reanalysis of past TC data, but they found the North Atlantic trends to be robust.
Electromagnetic induction in the Earth
Authors: Fergurson Ian , Slater Lee , Queralt Pilar , Ledo Juanjo
Published: December 2007

Measurements of electrical properties of the Earth using electromagnetic induction (EM) can elucidate geological structures and processes ranging from meter to mantle scale. The 18th International Workshop on Electromagnetic Induction in the Earth (EMIW) highlighted how recent theoretical and instrumental advances are being applied in high‐quality EM induction studies from around the world, at lithospheric, crustal, and near‐surface scales.

Important aspects of the lithospheric and crustal studies presented included the demonstration of the increased resolution provided by dense two‐dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) profiles and three‐dimensional grids, the common use of the improved impedance tensor decomposition method to correct regional MT responses, widespread consideration of implicitly anisotropic materials within multidimensional MT models, and, in the numerical modeling field, the increased use of unstructured meshes. Review papers provided an overview of the large‐scale EM surveys and spatial variations in the European lithosphere and addressed the role of EM in monitoring seismic and volcanic crustal processes.
More about AGU's digital library
Authors: Holoviak Judy C.
Published: December 2007

Many members and institutions have asked when they will have electronic access to AGU journals published before the mid‐1990s. The answer is 2008.

AGU's digital library, which will come online in 2008, will include all articles published in 11 AGU journals from 1896 (for the predecessor to the Journal of Geophysical Research) through 2002 as well as articles from several hundred books that were published before 2003. AGU has not granted permission to any other organization to make this material available electronically in any form.
Satellite remote sensing for global landslide monitoring
Authors: Hong Yang , Adler Robert E. , Huffman George J.
Published: December 2007

Rain‐induced landslides rank among the most devastating natural disasters. Nearly every year worldwide they cause billions of dollars in property damage and thousands of deaths.

Society has dealt with landslide hazards primarily by trying to locate development away from known hazard zones, but such an approach has limitations. Overpopulation and associated sprawl into hazardous areas, plus environmental impacts such as deforestation and mining, increasingly put large numbers of people at risk from landslides. Yet most developing countries, particularly those in high‐risk areas of the tropics, lack the data infrastructure and analysis capabilities required to minimize injuries and deaths due to landslides. The challenges facing the science community include better understanding the surface and meteorological processes that lead to landslides and determining how new technology and techniques might be applied to reduce the risk of landslides to people across the globe.
Overview of midlatitude ionospheric storms
Authors: Kintner Paul , Coster Anthea , Fuller‐Rowell Tim , Mannucci Anthony J.
Published: December 2007

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections erupting from the roiling Sun can smash into the Earth's magnetosphere causing geomagnetic storms that penetrate deep into the atmosphere, which can short out satellites, upset radio communications, disrupt navigation, and even damage terrestrial electrical power grids. Though effects on other regions of the atmosphere have been analyzed, the mechanism by which geomagnetic storms influence the ionosphere's middle latitudes remains poorly understood.

This brief report provides an overview of current knowledge in midlatitude ionospheric dynamics and disturbances, from the historic record to recent discoveries presented at a January AGU Chapman Conference.
[Comment on “Meeting Ph.D. Graduates' needs in a changing global environment”] Challenges to fostering interdisciplinary graduate education
Authors: Kock Beaudry
Published: December 2007

C. Susan Weiler's article (“Meeting Ph.D. graduates' needs in a changing global environment,” Eos, 55(13), 149, 151) calling for more care and attention to interdisciplinary graduate education illuminated an important and neglected issue. Weiler makes the excellent point that for society to manage complex natural systems effectively, it is imperative that we establish stronger connections between science and public policy. However, as a nation, the United States lacks the institutional research culture to foster this. Nor are we training sufficient numbers of professionals with the skills to make these connections; and when the small number of truly interdisciplinary scientists emerge annually into the workforce, there are few positions that fit them.

I echo Weiler's call for increased interdisciplinary collaboration, and the necessary training to support this increase. However, there are some fundamental obstacles her article does not explore.
AGU launches new E‐commerce Web site
Authors: Blaufuss Karine S.
Published: December 2007

During the week of 10 September 2007, AGU unveils a new e‐commerce Web site (http://www.aip.org/AGU). The site is an upgraded version of the one that members and nonmembers have used to renew membership or join AGU, subscribe to journals, purchase books, or make a contribution. The new site, which is the result of collaboration between AGU and the American Institute of Physics, is another step in improving service to AGU constituents. Most of the changes being implemented stem from suggestions made by AGU members.
New perspectives on African biomass burning dynamics
Authors: Roberts Gareth , Wooster Martin J.
Published: December 2007

Biomass burning is a key Earth system process and, in particular a major element of the terrestrial carbon cycle and a globally significant source of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols. Smoke emitted during combustion affects air quality, atmospheric chemical composition, and Earths radiation budget [Le Canut et al., 1996]. In terms of carbon emissions, vegetation fires are, globally and on average, believed to generate emissions equivalent to between perhaps one third and one half of those from fossil fuel combustion, and savanna fires are responsible for around 50% of the global vegetation fire carbon release [Williams et al., 2007].

At the continental scale, Africa is, on average, the single largest source of biomass burning emissions, responsible for 30–50% of total global annual fuel combustion [Andreae, 1991; van der Werf et al., 2006]. African burning is characterized by two distinct burning seasons: primarily between October and March in the Northern Hemisphere and between June and November in the Southern Hemisphere [Giglio et al., 2006]. In Africa, the vast majority of fires result from anthropogenic burning, associated, for example, with farming and livestock practices. This pattern of human‐initiated ignitions, together with the daily meteorological dynamics of wind and relative humidity, contribute to a strong diurnal variability in the number and extent of fires [Edwards et al., 2006].
Developing Earth and space scientists for the future
Authors: Manduca Cathryn A. , Cifuentes Inés
Published: December 2007

As the world's largest organization of Earth and space scientists, AGU safeguards the future of pioneering research by ensuring that “the number and diversity of Earth and space scientists continue to grow through the flow of young talent into the field” (AGU Strategic Plan 2008, Goal IV). Achieving this goal is the focus of the AGU Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR), one of the Union's three outreach committees.

AGU staff and CEHR develop programs to provide members with career advice, strategies to educate students, and up‐to‐date information about workforce and education issues. Through the Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) program, CEHR provides support for K‐12 educators to teach Earth and space science to their students. In collaboration with the Union leadership, the Committee on Public Affairs, and the Public Information Committee, CEHR serves as the public voice for AGU on education and work‐force issues nationally and internationally.
Earlier famine warning possible using remote sensing and models
Authors: Brown Molly E. , Funk Christopher C. , Galu Gideon , Choularton Richard
Published: December 2007

Remote sensing allows scientists to detect slowly evolving natural hazards such as agricultural drought. Famine early warning systems transform these data into actionable policy information, enabling humanitarian organizations to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.

These life‐saving responses are increasingly important: In 2006, one out of eight people did not have enough food to eat and 22 million more people became sufficiently undernourished to require intervention, prompting 22 countries to provide $6.5 billion in food aid. Since their inception in the mid‐1980s, the combination of monitoring and mitigation systems has dramatically reduced the number of famines caused by biophysical hazards, such as floods, drought, and pests, that destroy food crops [Murphy and McAfee, 2005]. Yet despite this notable achievement, many countries, mostly in Africa, face chronic and increasing food insecurity.
Mixing and stirring in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Gille Sarah T. , Speer Kevin , Ledwell James R. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C.
Published: December 2007

The vertical and horizontal mixing of waters within the ocean affects the Earth's climate because it controls the poleward transport of heat and carbon within the ocean, the structure of the large‐scale currents, and the character of water that upwells and interacts with the atmosphere. Particularly in the Southern Ocean, ocean general circulation models can show different behavior depending on the exact representation of mixing. To date, however, measurements of this mixing have not been available because of the remoteness and difficult working conditions in the Southern Ocean.

The Diapycnal and Isopycnal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean (DIMES) seeks to understand the regional importance of the Southern Ocean to global circulation by measuring large‐ and small‐scale mixing processes. In the ocean, water moves primarily along surfaces of constant potential density (isopycnals), but it can also mix and change density between these surfaces in what is known as diapycnal mixing. This experiment, a joint effort between U.S. and U.K. scientists, will begin fieldwork in early 2009.
Close encounter with Saturn's Moon Iapetus
Authors: Showstack Randy , Kumar Mohi
Published: December 2007

Following the Cassini spacecraft's 10 September flyby of Saturn's moon Iapetus, scientists now are examining hundreds of transmitted images of the moon's reflectance, heavily cratered surface, and a 20‐kilometer‐high mountain ridge along the equator that gives Iapetus an irregular walnut‐like shape.

Carolyn Porco, Cassini imaging team leader at the Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo., compared the flyby to something out of the book Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. “Our flight over the surface of Iapetus was like a non‐stop free fall, down the rabbit hole. Very few places in our solar system are more bizarre than the patchwork of pitch dark and snowy bright we've seen on this moon,” she said. The flyby, which brought Cassini just 1640 kilometers above Iapetus's surface—100 times closer than a 2004 encounter by the same spacecraft— will help scientists to better understand the chemical composition of the surface and look for evidence of a faint atmosphere. Iapetus images are available at: http://saturn.jpl .nasa.gov,http://www.nasa.gov/cassini, and http://ciclops.org.
A strategy to deal with harmful algal blooms
Authors: Showstack Randy , Kumar Mohi
Published: December 2007

A coordinated federal program is needed to develop a strategy for the prevention, control, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), according to a 12 September interagency report issued by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. National Science and Technology Council. The congressionally mandated report, “National Assessment of Efforts to Predict and Respond to Harmful Algal Blooms in U.S. Waters,” notes that “the frequency and geographic distribution of HABs have been increasing worldwide.” The report also indicates that all U.S. coastal states have experienced HABs over the last decade and that the blooms appear to be affecting freshwater systems more frequently.

NOAA Administrator Conrad C. Lautenbacher said the report “is the first step in developing a national plan to improve those efforts.” The report, which calls for increased availability of probes and for platforms for continuous real‐time monitoring, also notes that newly developed technologies can be used for rapid detection of toxins. In addition, satellite and automated underwater vehicles together with transport models have helped coastal managers to better predict bloom movement. For more information, visit the Web site: http://ocean.ceq.gov/about/docs/iwg4h_prrpt_final.pdf.
Antarctic Sedimentary Basins: Key to understanding glacial processes workshop to establish an integrated seismic stratigraphy for the Ross Sea, Antarctica, Trieste, Italy, 18–20 June 2007
Authors: Davey Fred , Sauli Chiara
Published: December 2007

The Cenozoic history of the Antarctic is recorded largely in the sedimentary basins of the Antarctic continental shelf. The seismic data across these basins are particularly important in defining the development of the cryosphere over the past 35 million years, as direct sampling of the sediments is limited to cores from only a few drill holes. The geometry and character of the seismic stratigraphy are used to infer glacial processes and the age of these events. In order to have a consistent circum‐Antarctic interpretation of past glacial and tectonic events, a consistent seismic stratigraphy is needed.
A new tool to study links between sediment transport and invertebrate drift
Authors: Vericat Damià , Batalla Ramon J. , Gibbins Chris N.
Published: December 2007

Periodic floods are important because of the role they play in maintaining natural geomorphic and ecological processes in rivers. However, fully understanding their role is hampered by the difficulty of undertaking controlled experimental studies in river channels during flood events. To solve this problem, we recently developed a small portable flume (Figure l).The flume increases hydraulic forces acting over a patch of river‐bed, thus mimicking conditions associated with floods. We have used it to conduct experiments to help resolve questions related to the interactions between instream hydraulics, sediment transport, and invertebrate drift during small, frequent floods [e.g., Gibbins et al.,2007].
DeFries named MacArthur Fellow Ruth DeFries
Authors: Showstack Randy , Kumar Mohi
Published: December 2007

A professor in the Department of Geography and the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, was named as a MacArthur Fellow, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced on 25 September.

An environmental geographer, DeFries, was cited for “combining remote satellite imagery and a deep understanding of the environmental effects of agriculture and urbanization to illuminate key processes transforming our planet.”
2006 Editors' Citations for excellence in refereeing
Authors: Anonymous
Published: December 2007

The reviewers listed below have been cited by Editors of AGU journals for excellence in refereeing. The Editors' citations (photographs provided as available) recognize this special service to the Union, and these individuals are to be commended for consistently providing constructive and thoughtful reviews.
Unraveling the causes of radiation belt enhancements
Authors: Liemohn Michael W. , Chan Anthony A.
Published: December 2007

As technology advances, as society in general and scientists in particular become increasingly reliant on the artificial satellites that circle our planet, and as space agencies worldwide are considering new ways to send humans to the Moon and Mars, better understanding of adverse space weather in the Earth's upper atmosphere is crucial.

Critical to the success of satellite and manned spaceflight missions will be their ability to pass safely through Earth's Van Allen radiation belts. Energetic charged particles trapped in the radiation belts are a major source of damaging space weather effects not only on spacecraft and astronauts but also on life and society here on Earth, as such enhancements can create false signals in electronics and outages in vital satellite systems. Thus, understanding the physical processes that enhance the electron and ion content of our radiation belts is a timely and pressing issue.
Court battle over badge rules at Jet Propulsion Lab
Authors: showstack Randy
Published: December 2007

A group of 28 scientists, engineers, and administrative support staff, who are contract workers associated with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., has mounted a court battle over a requirement that all NASA employees and contractors must complete a questionnaire with a waiver authorizing NASA to conduct broad background investigations into professional and personal areas of their lives. Workers need to complete this document (Standard Form 85 for low‐risk positions) in order to receive new identification badges that provide access to JPL.

This requirement to complete the document applies to the JPL workforce of 5000, most of whom are contract workers whose positions NASA has designated as nonsensitive or low risk. The plaintiffs (also referred to as appellants), who are employees of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) working at JPL on NASA projects, consider the waiver in particular as allowing an invasion of privacy that also could adversely affect the retention and hiring of contractors and an open scientific environment.
Reaching the end of the FUSE
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: December 2007

The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) space telescope will be turned off on 18 October, after its pointing system failed. The NASA mission, which has been managed by a team of researchers with the Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland, produced spectrographs at short ultraviolet light wavelengths below the range in which the Hubble Space Telescope operates.

By analyzing FUSE data, astronomers were able to measure temperatures, densities, and chemical compositions of many objects. The 8‐year mission, extended from its original 3 years, resulted in numerous discoveries, including a glimpse into molecular hydrogen in Mars's atmosphere and a first‐ever observation of molecular nitrogen outside our solar system. While FUSE'S scientific data will remain available to astronomers for years, the science team will close out the mission in less than a year. After 30 years or so, FUSE'S orbit is expected to decay and the satellite will burn up in the atmosphere.
Surveying hydrology, ecology and climate effects of northern peatlands
Authors: Slater Lee , Comas Xavier , Reeve Andrew , Jol Harry
Published: December 2007

Northern peatlands comprise the largest wetland complex worldwide, covering approximately 4 million square kilometers across Eurasia and North America. They form a critical component of the global carbon (C) cycle by acting as net sources of CH4 but net sinks of CO2. Studies of northern peatlands have increased in recent years due to uncertainties in (1) mechanisms and rates of carbon gas exchange between peatlands and the atmosphere, and (2) the effect of northernlatitude climate warming on peatlandatmosphere carbon gas fluxes.

New technologies are required to evaluate the volume of carbon stored in peatlands, spatial patterns of free phase gas production, and temporal variability in gas exchange to the atmosphere. The Division of Earth Sciences of the U.S. National Science Foundation funded a 5‐day, field‐based, intensive workshop focused on engaging the community in addressing key peatlands science challenges through near‐surface geophysical methods. The workshop was based at the University of Maine, in Orono, and used nearby Caribou Bog, a field site instrumented for hydrological and geophysical research.
Comment on “Emergence of complex societies after sea level stabilized”
Authors: Washington Paul A.
Published: December 2007

Day et al. [2007] made a provocative proposal: that complex societies evolved in response to the increased productivity of coastal marine ecosystems following sea level stabilization (SLS). Although the known record of complex societies does roughly coincide with SLS, neither the linkage to increased marine productivity nor the assertion that complex societies emerged at that time is warranted.

Although increased marine productivity would have influenced coastal societies, the most prominent early societies (e.g., Nile, Mesopotamia, Indus, Yellow) relied primarily on riparian grain production. Coeval Mississippi Valley society was centered more than 300 kilometers inland and relied on riverine resources (freshwater fish and so forth) [Saunders et al., 2005]. These are the societies that apparently first constructed permanent structures (temples, permanent buildings, mound systems).
Studies of Cave Sediments: Physical and Chemical Records of Paleoclimate (Revised Edition)
Authors: Baker Andy
Published: December 2007

Caves have long fascinated humankind, from prehistory to present‐day tourism. Caves are also a subject for a range of scientific investigations, including cave biology, archaeology, paleoclimatology, geology, hydrology, and geomorphology. One of the benefits caves provide is their role as a repository of material that might not otherwise survive on the Earth's surface, due to caves' interiors being protected from physical erosion by nature of their underground locations. Studies of Cave Sediments focuses on this role as a repository, in particular on Quaternary (historic to 1.8 million years old) paleoclimate information preserved in cave sediments.
Conference marks fiftieth anniversary of global CO2 record
Authors: Butler James , Marquis Melinda
Published: December 2007

The fiftieth anniversary of the global CO2 record, begun by Charles David Keeling at the South Pole and in Hawaii during the International Geophysical Year (IGY; 1957–1958), will be celebrated at a symposium in Kona, Hawaii, near the Mauna Loa Observatory, on 28–30 November 2007.

At the time of Keeling's initial efforts, little was known about CO2 in the atmosphere and no reliable atmospheric record existed. Indeed, many scientists were not certain that one could detect meaningful patterns such as seasonal changes, hemispheric differences, and fossil fuel emissions with measurements of such a low‐concentration constituent of the atmosphere. The early measurements by Keeling began what was to become a coordinated global monitoring network involving scientists and agencies from countries around the world. Information derived from this network—which now includes many greenhouse gases, isotopes, and other tracers—has been crucial for informing national and international assessments of global climate change, not the least of which are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports.
Large‐scale carbon sequestration
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: December 2007

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on 9 October the first three large‐scale carbon sequestration projects in the United States. The three projects Plains Carbon Dioxide Reduction Partnership, Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership, and Southwest Regional Partnership for Carbon Sequestration double the number of large‐volume carbon storage demonstrations in operation worldwide. DOE plans to invest $197 million over 10 years, subject to annual appropriations from Congress, for the projects, which are the first of several sequestration demonstration projects planned through DOE's Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships.