bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAS forms geological sciences board
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

A new board to help guide geological research has been formed by the National Academy of Sciences' Assembly of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The 15‐member Geological Sciences Board probably will hold its first official meeting in April, according to board chairman William R. Dickinson of the University of Arizona.

The board's formation was spurred by the lack of systematic and continuous attention given to geological sciences in the past and by the increasing contributions geology makes to society, explained Joseph W. Berg, Jr., executive secretary of NAS' Office of Earth Sciences. The board is expected to fill a gap in NAS activities where disciplines such as hydrology, paleontology, and geological engineering have not been represented, Dickinson added. These topics have been handled by ad hoc committees.
Reagan finalizes budget cuts
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

As expected, President Reagan's revisions to the budget request made in January by then‐President Carter slash R&D funds; most geophysics programs barely keep pace with inflation under the plan. Reagan had outlined proposed cuts in late February (Eos, March 3, p. 90) and on March 10 filled in the details and chopped an additional $13.8 billion from the total budget. Of the agencies and programs impacting geophysicists, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is probably the hardest hit, with a reduction of 24% from Carter's January proposals.

Total budget under the Reagan plan is $695.3 billion, down from Carter's proposed $739.3 billion (Eos, February 10, p. 49). Congressional action could alter the budget, however.
Mt. St. Helens has little weather effect
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Despite the ash spewed into the atmosphere, Mount St. Helens had less effect on the weather than might have been anticipated. The ash from the eruption had no effect upon precipitation and had a lower nitrate content than particulates in air samples unaffected by the fallout, according to recent reports by NOAA.

A team led by Rudolf Pueschel of the Air Resources Laboratories measured airborne particles and cloud droplets upwind and downwind of the volcano in April 1980. Downwind, the mass of particles in the air was thousands of times greater, but the ash appeared to have no effect on the amount of water in clouds or the size of water droplets.
Geophysicists
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

J. F. Dewey has been named distinguished professor by the State University of New York at Albany. He also has been invited to give the 1981 William Smith Lecture to the Geological Society of London on “The Plate Tectonic History of the British Islands.”
Destruction and recreation of black holes
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Even though the existence of the gravitationally collapsed concentrations of matter in space known as ‘black holes’ is accepted at all educational levels in our society, the basis for the black hole concept is really only the result of approximate calculations done over 40 years ago. The concept of the black hole is an esoteric subject, and recently the mathematical and physical frailties of the concept have come to light in an interesting round of theoretical shuffling. The recent activity in theorizing about black holes began about 10 years ago, when Cambridge University mathematican Stephen Hawking calculated that black holes could become unstable by losing mass and thus ‘evaporate.’ Hawking's results were surprisingly well received, considering the lack of theoretical understanding of the relations between quantum mechanics and relativity. (There is no quantized theory of gravitation, even today.) Nonetheless, his semiclassical calculations implied that the rate of ‘evaporation’ of a black hole would be slower than the rate of degradation of the universe. In fact, based on these and other calculations, the British regard Hawking as ‘the nearest thing we have to a new Einstein’ [New Scientist, Oct. 9, 1980]. Within the last few months, Frank Tipler, provocative mathematical physicist at the University of Texas, has reexamined Hawking's calculations [Physical Review Letters, 45, 941, 1980], concluding, in simple terms, (1) that because of possible vital difficulties in the assumptions, the very concept of black holes could be wrong; (2) that Hawkings' evaporation hypothesis is so efficient that a black hole once created must disappear in less than a second; or (3) that he, Tipler, may be wrong. The latter possibility has been the conclusion of physicist James Bardeen of the University of Washington, who calculated that black hole masses do evaporate but they do so according to Hawking's predicted rate and that Tipler's findings cause only a second‐order effect on the rate process [Physical Review Letters, 46, 382, 1981].
Official earthquake council statement
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The following is the statement issued by the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council on January 27 (see story above for details).

At the request of the Government of Peru, the director of the U.S. Geological Survey has convened the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council to review the prediction of a major earthquake in Peru. Specifically, the prediction by Drs. Brian Brady and William Spence states that a series of large earthquakes will begin at the end of June 1981, off the coast of Peru.
Venus cloud studies
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Observations of the pattern of atmospheric changes on Venus have been made on the basis of on 2 years of Pioneer orbiter data. The results indicate a long‐term period of change for both the planet's wind patterns and for the existence of a haze layer above the cloud tops, according to a recent NASA release. The Pioneer orbiter has taken about 1000 pictures of Venus clouds and extensive measurements of the particles comprising those clouds.

Among the most noteworthy of the results is that Venus' planetwide wind patterns change dramatically over a period of several years. Two patterns have been discerned; a mid‐latitude jet stream pattern and a cloud and wind pattern that acts like a solid body. It was also observed that the high‐altitude haze layer, which completely envelopes Venus' clouds, appears and disappears over several‐year periods. This haze is a ‘smog layer’ extending above the main cloud region by about 30 km. This altitude on Earth would be well into our stratosphere.
Ocean objectives for the '80s
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

Seven goals and objectives for services to ocean operations in the coming decade are outlined in a recent report by a task group of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmospheres (NACOA). The group also identified the principal driving forces expected to influence ocean use.

NACOA (Eos, February 24, p. 76) advises the President on ocean and atmospheric affairs. The Task Group on Services to Ocean Operations, chaired by Robert M. White at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, is one of six task forces established by NACOA to identify goals for ocean activities. The task group's recent report focuses solely on civilian programs.
Decline in tornado death rate faces test
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Although records show a 3‐year decline in tornado‐related deaths, the trend could reverse between now and May, the peak tornado month. Therefore, NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) are urging that the public be prepared to take the appropriate safety measures. ‘It is vital that people not relax their vigilance against these destructive storms,’ Richard E. Hallgren, director of the National Weather Service (NWS) said. ‘If they do, we could witness an unwarranted number of casualties.’
Columbia's first shakedown flight
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia, first of the planned fleet of spacecraft in the nation's space transportation system, will liftoff on its first orbital shakedown flight on or about the 10th of April 1981. Launch will be from the NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, no earlier than 45 minutes after sunrise. Crew for the first orbital flight will be John W. Young, commander, veteran of two Gemini and two Apollo space flights, and U.S. Navy Capt. Robert L. Crippen, pilot. Crippen has not flown in space.
IIASA Energy Study unveiled
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

Meeting the energy needs of the world in 2030, when the projected population will be 8 billion, can be done, but not without international cooperation, a mix of energy technologies, and an understanding of the dependence of resources and use. That's the optimistic conclusion of the 7‐year golbal energy study by the International Insitute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).
Petroleum data available
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

New geological and geophysical data associated with certain regions in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) are available to the public from the National Geophysical and Solar‐Terrestrial Data Center.

These data were collected and processed by several companies under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey. Purpose of the data collection was to evaluate the petroleum potential of portions of the NPRA.
Extractive Metallurgy Program funded
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

In an effort to concentrate research on ore dressing and metal production, the National Science Foundation (NSF) formed a new basic research program as a part of its Chemical and Process Engineering Division. This program will be under the auspices of NSF's Engineering Directorate. Research is to be supported on every step of extractive metallurgy, from mining to processing to production, and even to reprocessing and disposal. Budgeting for the new program is expected to be on the order of $1.2 million for fiscal year 1981.

A program of this nature was apparently considered seriously by the Carter administration as a joint Department of Interior‐private industry project of considerable size. Then‐Secretary of Interior Cecil Andrus evidently did not support the program, but there is wide agreement throughout the mineral industries and the university community that such research is badly needed for the U.S. to compete. A joint program could benefit by cutting across the many difficult regulations that now are blamed for slowing research in minerals processing in this country.
Dynamics Explorer twins
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Two spacecraft that will ride piggyback into orbit next July are currently undergoing vigorous prelaunch testing at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Called Dynamics Explorer (DE)‐A and ‐B, the twin satellites are scheduled to be stacked together and placed into coplanar polar orbits by a Delta 3913 launch vehicle from the Western Space and Missile Center, Lompoc, Calif., on July 31.

Their mission will be to explore the boundary region between Earth and space that affects the atmosphere, auroral displays, radio transmissons, and perhaps climate and weather. Solar radiation and the solar wind have a dynamic impact on the near‐Earth environment, the results of which affect the state of the atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and the more familiar phenomena—weather, auroral displays, and radio disturbances.
Aeromagnetic survey of Kansas
Authors: Yarger Harold L
Published: October 2011

An aeromagnetic survey of Kansas, conducted by the Kansas Geological Survey during the past 5 years, has been completed. The total intensity magnetic field contour map, along with spectrally filtered versions, reveals largescale magnetic patterns, which we correlate with basement composition and paleotectonics.

A second vertical derivative map clearly demonstrates that the southern part of the Proterozoic Central North American Rift System (CNARS) does not terminate in central Kansas but continues along a southwestern trend to at least the Oklahoma border. Some of the current seismicity within the state appears to be correlated with reactivated faults within the CNARS.

Apparent in northeastern Kansas is the presence of numerous highly magnetic shallow granitic plutons, known from drilling to be approximately 1350 m.y. old, embedded within the older, 1600—1700‐m.y.‐old mesozonal granitic crust.

The total intensity magnetic field map reveals a series of magnetic lows trending approximately east‐west across the state. These may correspond to a paleoplate boundary between the older granitic terrane to the north and the younger, 1400‐m.y. rhyolitic and epizonal granitic terrane to the south.
Information transfer in verbal presentations at scientific meetings
Authors: Flinn Edward A.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this note is to suggest a quantitative approach to deciding how much time to give a speaker at a scientific meeting. The elementary procedure is to use the preacher's rule of thumb that no souls are saved after the first 20 minutes. This is in qualitative agreement with the proverb that one cannot listen to a single voice for more than an hour without going to sleep. A refinement of this crude approach can be made by considering the situation from the point of view of a linear physical system with an input, a transfer function, and an output. We attempt here to derive an optimum speaking time through these considerations.
P78–1 satellite status
Authors: Landecker Peter
Published: October 2011

The P78–1 satellite was launched on February 24, 1979, into a 580‐km sun‐synchronous polar orbit. This U.S. Air Force Space Test Program mission is currently operational and continues to collect important earth and solar‐related data.

Gamma ray spectrometers supplied by Lockheed (Palo Alto) measure sources with excellent spatial (≈100 km), spectral (3.5 keV FWHM at 511 keV), and temporal resolution (32 ms). Characteristics of energetic particle fluxes in the vicinity of the satellite are also monitored by Lockheed. Cosmic γ ray bursts have been observed with fine energy resolution. Mappings have been made of several bremsstrahlung X ray events resulting from electron precipitation, events which varied strongly with time (flux changes by 1–2 orders of magnitude in 5–10 s) and which extended coherently over distances of several hundred kilometers. Energy spectra of precipitating electrons have been observed with peaks as narrow as 20 keV, suggesting wave‐particle interactions with waves of very narrow bandwidth (<1 kHz).
Volcano activity increases
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

The Cascade volcanos in the Pacific Northwest may be entering a period of heightened activity, reports the U.S. Geological Survey. Seismic rumblings also have increased along the northern part of the San Andreas fault, indicating additional tectonic activity. In response to these stirrings, the USGS plans to expand its volcano monitoring, hazards mapping, and risk management.

This expansion includes four new starts scheduled for this fiscal year, according to Roy A. Bailey, coordinator of the Volcano Hazards Program at the USGS National Center in Reston, Virginia. Monitoring equipment will be installed on Mount Ranier (Washington), Three Sisters (Oregon), Lassen Peak (California), and Mono‐Inyo (California). Seismographs, tiltmeters, and geodimeters will be installed to monitor changes in these volcanos that could signal an impending eruption. Most of these monitoring systems will be installed in July or August, Bailey said, and will remain in place for several years until a data base has been established.
OSCAR: The acid rain project
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are jointly undertaking a project to evaluate the causes and effects of precipitation caused by coal smoke in the atmosphere. OSCAR (oxidation and scavenging characteristics of April rain' Chem. Eng. News, April 20, 1981, p. 26) is the acronym for a program to track acid rain from its origin to downwind locations. Several aircraft and several tens of precipitation samplers are located throughout North America to collect data.

The study is concentrated in an area near Ft. Wayne, Ind., an area in a strategic position to receive emissions dissolved and otherwise incorporated in rain thought to originate from the coal‐burning plants in the Ohio river valley region.
Fulbright Award opportunities
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

More than a dozen opportunities are available to geophysicists in the 1982–1983 Fulbright Awards program for United States scholars to study abroad. The lecturing and research awards are listed in a new brochure published by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. Geophysics‐related opportunities are also available in geography, engineering, and technology.

The majority of grants are for the academic year in the host country. All are subject to availability of funds and changes in program priorities.
NASA, NOAA administrators nominated
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

President Ronald Reagan recently said he intended to nominate James Montgomery Beggs as NASA Administrator and John V. Byrne as NOAA Administrator. These two positions are key scientific posts that have been vacant since the start of the Reagan administration on January 20. The President also said he intends to nominate Hans Mark as NASA Deputy Administrator. At press time, Reagan had not designated his nominee for the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
First space shuttle payload
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Preparations are being made at the Kennedy Space Center for installation of the first payload to be carried into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia during STS‐2, its second test flight, now scheduled for this fall.

The payload is called OSTA‐1 for NASA's Office of Space and Terrestrial Applications, which is providing most of the seven experiments. It is designed to demonstrate the space shuttle's capability as an operational space platform for scientific and applications research. The experiments are concerned primarily with remote sensing of land resources, atmospheric phenomena and ocean conditions.
Diamonds found in Antarctic meteorite
Authors: French Bevan
Published: October 2011

Tiny crystals of diamond have recently been found in a 10A‐kg iron meteorite collected from the Allan Hills region of the Antarctic ice cap in 1977. The discovery was reported in Nature by Roy S. Clarke, Jr., Daniel E. Appleman, and Daphne E. Ross, all of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. (The Antarctic Meteorite Program is a joint activity of the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and NASA. The specimens are preserved, described and distributed by NASA's Planetary Materials Laboratory at Johnson Space Center, Houston.)
Scientists CCOPE with storms
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

The sun gently noses its way above the horizon in southeastern Montana with the seeming promise of a carefree, sunny day. But that promise won't hold true for 200 scientists readying themselves for another frenetic day in the largest field research experiment on storms and thundershowers.

Fieldwork for the 4‐month project dubbed CCOPE (Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiment) began this week near Miles City, Mont. CCOPE's principal objective is to measure storm development in detail to learn precisely how rain and hail are produced, with the eventual harvest being timely warnings for severe storms and accurate precipitation predictions. This knowledge will aid in the planning of water supply strategies.
Earthquake seismograph development: A modern history—Part 1
Authors: Melton Ben S.
Published: October 2011

The years from 1948 through 1976 saw numerous changes in electrodynamic‐type earthquake seismographs. During this period, these seismographs and their associated amplifiers, recorders, timing systems, and power supplies were adapted for worldwide service under many operating conditions. These developments required and led to a better understanding of the fundamental limitations on design, ultimately allowing small but adequately sensitive instruments to be built for installation in cased holes, thereby avoiding undesired local surface disturbances. The recording system developed within this period permits ready review and compact storage of seismological data.
HEAO‐2 completes flight mission
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

The second High‐Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO 2) has expended its control gas supply, completing its flight mission.

The spacecraft was launched Nov. 13, 1978. It carried the world's largest focusing X ray telescope and an array of imaging and analyzing astronomy instruments. During its extra‐long lifetime, it performed thousands of studies of X‐ray‐emitting stars, supernova remnants, galaxies, and quasars.
Geophysical event
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Pagan Volcano, Mariana Islands, Western Pacific Ocean (18.13°N, 145.80°E). All times are local (GMT+10 h). A strong explosive eruption from North Pagan, the larger of the two stratovolcanos that form the Pagan volcano complex, began on May 15. While reporting strong felt seismicity on the island, radio operator Pedro Castro suddenly announced at 0915 that the volcano was erupting. Communication was then cut off. An infrared image returned from the Japanese geostationary weather satellite at 1000 showed a very bright circular cloud about 80 km in diameter over the volcano. The cloud spread SE at about 70 km/h, and by 1600 its maximum height was estimated at 13.5 km from satellite imagery. Weakening of activity was evident on the image returned at 1900, and on the next image, at 2200, feeding of the eruption cloud had stopped, with the proximal end of the cloud located about 120 km SE of the volcano. No additional activity has been detected on the satellite images, but by 0400 the next morning, remnants of the plume had reached 10°N and 155°E.
Geophysicists
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Daniel P. Beard was appointed executive director of the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation, effective May 1. He succeeds Gordon Fredine, who has retired.

Farouk El‐Baz, of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, was presented with the Arab Republic of Egypt ‘Order of Merit‐First Class’ by President Anwar Sadat. El‐Baz, cited for his contributions to space geology, advises Sadat on scientific matters. The presentation was made at the First Science Celebration Day in Cairo, on April 14.
Improved weather satellite
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The second of three improved geostationary operational environmental satellites (GOES) was launched May 14 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the satellite from the Kennedy Space Center, placing it in orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km (see figure).

Ultimately, the spacecraft will replace an older and similar satellite that monitors the eastern half of the United States and Canada, all of Central and South America, and much of the Atlantic Ocean. The new satellite will watch hurricane development and movement in the Caribbean and provide data on the Gulf Stream and crop killing frost for mariners and Florida citrus growers, respectively.
An extraordinary SAR Arc Event
Authors: Slater Donald W. , Kleckner Edward W.
Published: October 2011

For at least the first 12 hours of March 6, 1981 (UT), the nightside earth was encompassed by an extraordinary example of a Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arc (see figure); one of the more intense of the last several years. Initial analysis of data received from several ground stations indicates 6300‐Å (O(′D)) emission intensity of 2 to 2.5 KR, which remained rather constant throughout a major portion of the local evening and morning sectors. Interestingly, the arc dimmed significantly prior to morning twilight, perhaps as a result of reduced energy input or the diurnal variation of thermospheric composition. Simultaneous measurements from various latitudes yielded estimates of altitude of maximum emission and location which are 400–500 km and L = 2.8, respectively.

Of particular note in this event was the extremely pronounced separation from the more northerly auroral precipitation seen in the Figure, a separation in excess of 4 L‐shells.
Index to water data
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The U.S. Geological Survey recently published the seventh edition of the index to the information catalog on surface and ground water data. The data, collected at more than 100,000 sites across the country, are based on information provided by federal, state, and local agencies. The index also includes data for parts of Canada and Mexico.

The catalog does not contain the actual data, but it does provide information on where and by whom data are being collected, the types of data acquired, and how to obtain the data.
Building a base
Authors: Dainty Anton M.
Published: October 2011

AGU has benefited the academic geophysical community since its inception. It has become a major medium of scientific communication through its excellent journals and meetings. It represents us at international meetings and has assisted those who have traveled to such meetings. Also, in these times when academic science, particularly basic science, is under some pressure, AGU can serve an important role in presenting the case for basic research in public forums. For all these reasons AGU deserves the support of the academic community, but why should we contribute to AGU‐GIFT? Do we not already pay dues?
NSF funding trends in EPS
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

National Science Foundation trends in funding for research in universities in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) during the 5‐year period 1975–1980 show gradual increases (see figure). The trend for ocean sciences has taken a mostly continuous increase that will continue if the Ocean Margin Drilling Program is supported in fiscal year 1983 as proposed. Support of the program has been in jeopardy in Congress during the past months, but right now the prospects for continued support of the project appear to be favorable.

Astronomical sciences have what appears to be a levelling off in funding, but at a substantial base. Astronomy will be getting a boost in one sector—space telescope—during the present decade, with NASA funding.
New center for air‐sea studies
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Prompted by the increasing recognition of links between the oceans and the atmosphere, the University of Rhode Island recently established a Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Studies. Located within the Graduate School of Oceanography, the center researches air'sea interactions and the sources, transport, and reactions of gases and particles in the atmosphere on local, regional, and global levels. Oceanographer Robert A. Duce directs the center.
The search for non‐Newtonian G
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Geophysicist Frank D. Stacey and his colleagues from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, are attempting to test the laws of gravity. Physics and physical science laboratories have made numerous attempts in recent years to look for deviations in G, the gravitational constant, for the purpose of supporting non‐Newtonian theories. Physicists would like to include G, and gravity fields (and waves), in a unified theory, but the results of the laboratory experiments with mass attraction have been more or less noncommital. Now for the first time in many decades the problem is back in the hands of geophysicists—where it originated.
Geophysics at sea: Rising fuel costs
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

In the past year or two the costs of fuel for research vessels have seriously affected geophysical and oceanographic studies at sea. Many vessels have not left the dock during that period, others have been used sparsely, and research programs have suffered.

The National Science Foundation has considered new efficient vessels to replace the currently existing fleet. New propulsion systems are being considered, although for this decade, no large breakthroughs are expected in the efficiency of diesel engines.
Nation's water picture
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The nation's water picture improved somewhat in the north central and northeastern United States during May, but below normal water resources conditions persist in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

USGS hydrologists said May streamflow averaged well below normal—within the lowest 25% of record—at half of the 162 key index stations reporting from across the country. These extreme low flows were reported in all or parts of 33 states and were concentrated in a wide band from Virginia west through Tennessee and south to Florida and Mississippi.
Langley Medal awarded
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

Robert Thomas Jones, senior scientist at the Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif., was awarded the distinguished Langley Medal by the Smithsonian Institution for his ‘extensive contributions in theoretical aerodynamics, particularly with regard to development of the swept wing, supersonic area rule and, more recently, the oblique wing.’ Jones is an internationally acclaimed expert on aerodynamics, optics, and biomechanics as well as an applied mathematician, astronomer, inventor, author, and violin maker.

The Langley award has been given to just 16 recipients since it was established 73 years ago. Past recipients include Wilbur and Orville Wright, Charles Lindbergh, and Richard Byrd. Named for Samuel Pierpont Langley, aeronautical pioneer and third secretary of the Smithsonian, the medal honors ‘especially meritorious investigations in the field of aerospace science.’
Nominations for new VGP award sought
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

At the 1981 Spring Meeting in Baltimore, the VGP Executive Committee voted to establish a VGP Award. The guidelines for the award are as follows:

The award is to be given for a single outstanding contribution to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology made during the preceding 5 years. The contribution may be: (1) a single outstanding paper published in any journal; (2) a series of papers which, taken together, constitute an outstanding contribution; and (3) any other contribution that the Selection Committee considers worthy. The award will be accompanied by a suitable certificate, with the recipient's name and year of award, signed by the president of the VGP Section.
Membership growth high
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

AGU's membership increased by 114.5% during the last 20 years—from 6200 members in 1960 to 13,300 in 1980—while the number of all natural and physical scientists grew 94.2%. The figures are from a survey of the membership growth pattern of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), seven affiliated organizations, and six AAAS sections.

Members of AAAS more than doubled (growth of 111.9%) between 1960 and 1980, the survey showed. The biological sciences section had the biggest growth spurt (up 776.5%), and the mathematics section had the smallest (up 4.3%).
Considerations in the development of a National Geophysical Data Policy
Authors: Roeder Juan G.
Published: October 2011

Science emerged when it became apparent that the images of the world and of environmental events, acquired through the senses and registered by the human brain in natural day‐to‐day experience, contained inaccuracies and subjective biases that interfered with the development of an increasingly complex society. Recognition of the need for systematic statistical verification of predictions and for unbiased reporting and recording of both successes and failures of predictions became the fundamental driving force in the development of the scientific method and scientific thought. It became apparent that in order to establish a repertoire of reliable information on cause‐and‐effect relationships, environmental exploration and documentation would have to be expanded from subjectively ‘relevant’ phenomena to others that bore no direct relation to, or had no effect on, the human organism. It was also realized that a merely passive, qualitative, random observation of environmental events did not yield sufficient information. Active, quantitative probing and systematically planned experimentation became a necessity; the empirical method was born. Our sensory systems needed extension to achieve higher accuracy in the acquisition of environmental information, and scientific instruments were developed to make the measurements required for a quantitative description of environmental events over a wide range of domains. Finally, it was realized that the use of exo‐ontological documentation, data, and information systems (books, data repositories, computers, etc.) was essential for organizing experimental paradigms, for their statistical interpretation, for recording results, and, in general, for the development of an ‘objective truth’ about environmental events.
Aukland University Centenary
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The University of Aukland in New Zealand will celebrate its centenary May 5–9, 1983. The Geology Department would like to hear from all former students to help plan the department celebrations.
AGU Awards
Authors: Mange Philip , Ness Norman F. , Friedman Herbert
Published: October 2011

Since the arrival of the space age, Herbert Friedman's whole life has been dedicated to the observation and interpretation of the space environment and its behavior. Thus, in 1949, when V‐2 missiles were made available to American investigators, he began his experiments at the Naval Research Laboratory by adapting laboratory instruments to measure in space the solar ultraviolet and X ray light and its absorption in the high atmosphere. Then he went on to investigate the effect of the solar radiation on the ionosphere. His interest in space geophysics—the influence of sun on earth—has never flagged since. He has always shown superb judgment in choosing experiments which were both scientifically significant and achievable. Hence, he was led to pioneering discoveries in geophysical understanding.
Looking for a change of climate? Computers make long‐time comparisons possible
Authors: Posey C. J.
Published: October 2011

With the increasing mobility of our population, climate is becoming more of a factor in deciding where to look for a new job or a good place for retirement. If a new location turns out to be no improvement, the young can try another one. The elderly must be more careful. The place they liked best during vacations may not be so good during the rest of the year.

By noticing news media reports of temperatures and precipitation, one can gain some idea of the weather at various locations in the United States. To take into account the many other elements that affect individual preferences, trial residence for a whole year would seem to be necessary (difficult to arrange for most of us). Even this might not be enough, for there are both good years and bad years everywhere.
Satellite observations of Mt. St. Helens
Authors: Rice D. J. , Watson D. K.
Published: October 2011

The major eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980, was recorded by infrared sensors aboard two U.S. Air Force satellites. The extent of the coverage and the completeness of the data base appear to be unique, providing information unavailable from other sources. The eruption was monitored essentially continuously, beginning at 15:32:57 UT, less than 1 min after the earthquake that appears to have been the triggering event. Dual satellite monitoring permits triangulation, so that both the lateral and vertical development of the ash emission can be determined with good temporal resolution. The data are being analyzed at the Space Sciences Laboratory of The Aerospace Corporation. Emphasis up to now has been placed on elucidating the sequence of events during the highly dynamic early eruptive phase, principally the period between initiation and the first GOES photograph at 15:45 UT. The resulting picture differs in many important respects from that inferred from photographs made by nearby observers, or from indirect evidence such as blast effects. The nature and timing of the principal events have been described in a report to the Society of Photo‐optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Washington meeting and are summarized below.
Gulf of Mexico Model confirmed
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

A model of the origin and evolution of the Gulf of Mexico has been substantially confirmed by core samples taken from the Gulf floor by the Glomar Challenger, according to Richard T. Buffler of the University of Texas at Austin and Wolfgang Schlager of the University of Miami, co‐chief scientists of the research vessel's leg 77.

Analysis of samples taken from six sites in the southeastern area of the Gulf shows that the Gulf of Mexico originated in much the same way and almost simultaneously with the North Atlantic Ocean. Until recently, the Gulf's origin did not fit the commonly accepted model of ocean evolution, explained Buffler.
Space telescope shaped and polished
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Shaping and polishing of the 94‐inch‐diameter (2.4‐m) primary mirror for the Space Telescope has been completed at the Danbury, Connecticut, facility of the Perkin‐Elmer Corp. The mirror surface has been completed to a perfection that deviates, at any point on the surface, less than one‐millionth of an inch from an ideally perfect surface. The primary mirror is the main optical component of the Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA), a major element of the Space Telescope.

The 12‐ton unmanned telescope will be placed in circular Earth orbit by the space shuttle in early 1985 and will have an initial altitude of 600 km, putting it well above the interfering haze of Earth's atmosphere. It will enable an investigator to collect data seven times farther into space than now possible—as much as 14 billion light‐years—and to observe some 350 times more volume of visible space. The telescope will be able to see stars and galaxies which are as much as 50 times fainter than can now be observed from Earth‐based telescopes.
Geophysical events
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

This is a summary of SEAN Bulletin, 6(5), May 31, 1981, a publication of the Smithsonian Institution. The complete bulletin is available in the microfiche edition of Eos, as a microfiche supplement, or a paper reprint. For the microfiche, order document number E81‐003 at $1.00 from AGU, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009. For reprints order Sean Bulletin (give dates and volume number) through AGU Separates: $3.50 for the first copy for those who do not have a deposit account; $2 for those who do; additional copies are $1.00. Orders must be prepaid.
WINDSAT: Space wind sensor to be tested
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

A new wind sensor system is being tested on a mesa north of Boulder, Colo., by a team led by Freeman Hall of the Wave Propagation Laboratory. If the tests are successful, a more advanced version of the system may be tried out late in this decade on the Space Shuttle. The system's ultimate destiny would be aboard a proposed satellite called WINDSAT.

Global wind measurements are a vital but missing link in efforts to improve long‐range weather forecasting. Present upper‐air wind measurements, mostly by instrumented balloons, are too limited, and there is a need for an extended method.
Highlights: Spring Council Meeting
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Council members present at the May 24, 1981, meeting were Keiiti Aki, Steven Burges (for Jim Wallis), Peter S. Eagleson, E. R. Engdahl, Charles E. Helsley, James R. Heirtzler, Carl Kisslinger, Leslie H. Meredith, Chris N. K. Mooers, Norman F. Ness, Marcia M. Neugebauer, James J. O'Brien, Richard Rapp, Carl Sagan, James C. Savage, Joseph V. Smith, Fred Spilhaus, Donald L. Turcotte, James A. Van Allen, J. Tuzo Wilson, and Jay Winston (for Elmar R. Reiter until his arrival at 6:50 P.M.). David Strangway, representing the Canadian Geophysical Union, and Peter Steinhauser, representing the European Geophysical Society, were special observers at the meeting. Council meetings are open, and a number of section secretaries, committee chairmen, journal editors, and other members attended. The following major actions were adopted by the Council:

The experiment of publishing oceanography and lower‐atmosphere papers in JGR Green issues alternate to those containing upper‐atmosphere papers will be continued through 1982. From preliminary indications the experiment seems to be working, but a full year of data, including a renewal cycle, is needed to assess the success of the experiment. Final decision will be made prior to the 1983 dues notices.
AGU awards the Twentieth Presentation of the James B. Macelwane Award to Ronald J. Prinn, David Southwood, and Donald J. Weidner
Authors: Walker James C. G. , Cicerone Ralph J. , Prinn Ronald G. , Russell Christopher T. , Southwood David , Ahrens Thomas J. , Weidner Donald J.
Published: October 2011

Mr. President, ladies, and gentlemen: We are honoring tonight a young scientist who combines an unusually broad knowledge of the chemistry and dynamics of planetary atmospheres with a healthy skepticism regarding established dogma and a marvelous ability to shrug off the displeasure of established dogmatists.

Ron Prinn's theoretical research has significantly influenced our understanding of the terrestrial stratosphere as well as the atmospheres of Venus and Jupiter. Since 1980, when he joined the Department of Meteorology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he has been a leading participant in collaborative efforts to develop numerical models of the stratosphere combining comprehensive chemistry with realistic dynamics. Such models have been a rich source of controversy in our continuing efforts to predict man's potential impact on the ozone layer. Prinn's work on the chemistry of sulfur gases in the atmosphere of Venus, published in 1973 and 1975, foreshadowed the explosive growth of interest in the sulfur chemistry of the terrestrial atmosphere. By delimiting conditions for the predominance of either sulfur or sulfuric acid in the clouds of Venus, his work provided a basis for the interpretation of Pioneer Venus data. It was Prinn who suggested that the spectacular dark markings on ultraviolet images of Venus are caused by sulfur. More recently he has discussed the contribution of phosphorus to the color of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. Not forsaking the mother planet, he is currently engaged in efforts to determine from field measurements whether there is any truth in the well‐established theory that freon, methyl chloroform, and nitrous oxide are chemically inert in the troposphere.
An investment in AGU—A comment from a federal scientist
Authors: Ostenso Ned A.
Published: October 2011

In our country, progress in the geophysical sciences has been closely interwoven with progress of the many geophysical activities within the federal government. Substantial numbers of geophysicists traditionally have found their life's work in the ranks of the federal service, where they pursue scientific advancement in their field of work, in laboratory research, and in the management of geophysical science programs.

To this large body of scientists the American Geophysical Union has always been a helpful and needed scientific organization. Access to high‐quality journals is undoubtedly 1985 the most useful and cherished AGU benefit provided to the federal employees. Next in importance may be the many, many benefits that come by participation in the AGU scientific meetings. This is followed by opportunities afforded federal scientists to serve in policy and administrative roles on the committees and council of the Union. These AGU benefits, and many more not enumerated here, can bring an abundance of national recognition, intellectual maturity, and self‐esteem to federal scientists, thus encouraging us to become better scientists and more proficient employees.
Environmental cancer risks
Authors: Bell Peter M.
Published: October 2011

In a long‐awaited report (‘Assessment of Technologies for Determining Cancer Risks From the Environment’), the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) has evaluated the role of environmental factors in cancer diseases. Environment is interpreted broadly as encompassing anything that interacts with humans, including the natural environment, food, radiation, the workplace, etc. Geologic factors range from geographic location to radiation and specific minerals. The report, however, is based on an inadequate data base in most instances, and its major recommendations are related to the establishment of a national cancer registry to record cancer statistics, as is done for many other diseases. Presently, hard statistics are lacking in the establishment of some association between the cause‐effect relationship of most environmental factors and most carcinogens. Of particular interest, but unfortunately based on unreliable data, are the effects of mineral substances such as ‘asbestos.’ USGS mineralogist Malcolm Ross will review asbestos and its effects on human health in the forthcoming Mineralogical Society of America's Short Course on the Amphiboles (Reviews in Mineralogy, 9, in press, 1981).
Peru earthquake prediction update
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

Brian Brady of the U.S. Bureau of Mines has altered his prediction that three major earthquakes will rock Lima, Peru, this summer (Eos, March 31). He had predicted that a magnitude 7.5–8.0 event would occur on or about June 28, followed by a magnitude 9.2 event (Kanamori scale) on or about August 10, and a magnitude 9.9 event on or about September 16. No such earthquake occurred in June.

Without the occurrence of the first quake, the other two ‘are very improbable,’ Brady told Eos. He communicated the update in a personal letter to Alberto Giesecke, the retired head of the Peruvian Geophysical Institute. Brady said he has not made a substitute specific prediction.
Senate confirms Keyworth
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: October 2011

The Senate confirmed George Keyworth on July 24 as the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Keyworth, former leader of the physics division at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, was recommended to the Senate following a hearing with the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on July 20. The hearing was organized by the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space, chaired by Senator Harrison (Jack) Schmitt (RNM).
Mohr on the minerals bill
Authors: Mohr Paul
Published: October 2011

Your item on NMSA (National Minerals Security Act) [Eos, May 19, p. 497] makes depressing reading. According to Mr. Santini: ‘… the hands of a few foreign nations [hold those minerals without which] we cannot build jet aircraft, weapons, or other military hardware vitally important to our national security.’ The implication in the superfluous adjective ‘foreign’ is tangible. Those non‐American nations are set up as being a threat; but a threat to what? To a security in which there are several dubious ingredients, not least the means whereby what now needs guarding was itself secured? And, one can ask, to what extent does security form a solid‐solution series with material aggrandizement when studied objectively?