bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comets' role in life's origin
Authors: Shore Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

Did comets dust the primordial earth with cosmic debris and with bacterial life forms that evolved to the organisms which dot the fossil record and stalk the earth today?Head‐to‐head debate on this question was recently rekindled at the colloquium ‘Comets and the Origin of Life’ at the University of Maryland's College Park campus. The colloquium drew geochemists, biologists, physicists, planetologists, and others.
Hydrology comes of age: Impact of the International Hydrological Decade
Authors: Nace Raymond L. 
Published: October 2011

The IHD (International Hydrological Decade), 1965 to 1974, was conceived as a concerted international effort to bring into focus the badly fragmented subdiscipline of hydrology, to evolve a global perspective on water, and to provide global information on water.Until the last decade or so, hydrology was a laggard science. The science was also fragmented among surface‐water hydrology, agricultural hydrology, groundwater hydrology, oceanology, hydrometeorology, and hydrogeochemistry. All these disciplines were bona fide members of the hydrological family, but there was little interchange, so there was no central focus for the science as a whole.
Sea surface temperature measurements from SEASAT
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

In its short lifetime, the SEASAT Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) observed the world's oceans for almost 100 days in the summer of 1978. This was done in order to determine sea surface temperature (SST), wind speed at the ocean's surface, rain rate, and the integrated column density of water vapor and liquid water in the atmosphere. These parameters are deduced from measurements of both horizontal and vertical polarizations of radiation at five microwave frequencies from 6.6 to 37 GHz.SEASAT was a ‘proof of concept’ satellite to determine how accurately microwave sensors could measure important parameters of the oceans. The SST measurements examined so far are encouraging. They have been compared to nearly 100 high‐quality surface observations under a variety of conditions and have been found to possess a negligible bias and to be accurate to within 1° over a wide range of values (10°–30°C).
Radon: Clue to earthquake magnitude
Authors: Richman Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

Radon's flow within the earth's crust could offer seismologists clues about the magnitude of an impending earthquake, according to a model proposed by Robert L. Fleischer, a General Electric Company physicist, at the AGU Fall Meeting last month. His work suggests that an extensive network of radon monitoring stations would be useful for early warning of potential damage areas of the pending tremors.Small amounts of radon, a gas released by the decay of uranium, tends to move slowly within the earth's crust where rocks are relatively porous. Velocities of a few inches an hour are typical. Shifting stresses in the earth's crust that precede an earthquake can speed up or slow down radon's movements.
Stephen J. Burges—New WRR editor
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The ‘tower of Babel syndrome’ is the most important problem facing water‐resources researchers, says Stephen J. Burges, the new coeditor for hydrology and physical, chemical, and biological sciences for Water Resources Research (WRR). Burges was appointed to a 4‐year term which began November 1. He succeeds R. Allan Freeze.Specialized research that lacks a sense of connection to other aspects of hydrology characterizes the syndrome, Burges explained. He traces this scattering of interests back to 1966 with the ‘evolution’ of the third‐generation computer.
Upcoming communications satellites
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

A new series of international and business communications satellites will be launched by ‘workhorse’ rocket systems, including updated Delta and Atlas/Centaur rockets, over the next few years. There is, of course, a ‘long‐shot’ option that the space shuttle, as originally conceived, will be used to place the satellites in orbit, but no one is willing to bet right now that the shuttle will be functional and operational in time. Instead, the U.S. will employ updated versions of 15–20‐year‐old rockets to launch a series of satellites with names like ‘INTELSAT,’ ‘INSAT,’ ‘Palapa,’ and ‘SBS’ into geosynchronous orbits.INTELSAT V is the first of a new generation of international telecommunications satellites sponsored by the 105‐nation International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), headquartered in Washington, D.C. The satellite, which weighs 1,928 kg at launch, has almost double the communications capability of early satellites in the INTELSAT series. It is positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic Ocean so as to provide communications between North America and Europe.
New origin of life theory
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

A new theory about the chemical evolution of life proposes that simple self‐replicating chemical systems rather than complex ones could have been the precursors of living cells more than 3.5 billion years ago. The new theory, published in a recent issue of the Journal of Molecular Evolution, was developed by David White, an assistant professor at the University of Santa Clara, Calif.White proposes that the first chemical ancestors of life were themselves ‘alive’ only in the sense that they could reproduce themselves and may have been far simpler than previously believed. The prevailing theory of the chemical evolution of life holds that natural energy, such as lightning, sunlight, and heat, interacted with the atmosphere, soils, and oceans of primordial Earth. The continuous interaction and evolution over millions of years eventually produced complex chemical systems that could reproduce themselves and that led to the first living cells. The problem lay in getting the right chemical building blocks together in the right place at the right time. The process that led to living cells is easier to explain, however, if the necessary components are simple and few in number.
Mining's impact on groundwater assessed
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

Detailed studies have indicated that groundwater is contaminated in the immediate vicinity of many mines in the eastern United States. However, no underground mines and very few refuse disposal areas have monitoring systems that can provide adequate warning of impending threats to groundwater quality.This was one of the conclusions of a 3‐year study by Geraghty & Miller, Inc., a firm of consulting groundwater geologists and hydrologists based in Syosset, New York. The study focused on mines east of the 100th meridian. These mines will produce an estimated 1.1 billion tons of coal and 200 million tons of waste by 1985.
Ocean drilling surveys planned
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

As a continuation of the International Phase of Ocean Drilling (IPOD), the Glomar Challenger is slated to drill in the Pacific and North Atlantic oceans during 1982–83. In preparation for the drilling, the Joint Oceanographic Institutions (JOI), Inc. will manage the site survey program during 1981–82. These site surveys will be focused to support four programs: a hydrogeology study on the equatorial East Pacific Rise flank; a study of Mesozoic sediments in the western Pacific; a study in sedimentation of the equatorial Pacific basin; and a study of the geochemistry of the North Atlantic ocean crust.JOI has issued a request for proposals for the United States site survey program. Proposal deadline is March 5. For additional information, contact JOI, Inc., 2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W., Suite 512, Washington, D.C. 20037.
New coastal studies center
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has established a new center that is charged with coordinating the research and teaching of nearshore ocean processes.Under the director of Douglas L. Inman, who specializes in inshore ocean waves, currents, and sediment transport, the Center for Coastal Studies will be the focus of international research programs as well as ongoing local, regional, and national studies. Members of the center's Shore Processes Study Group have advised many U.S. agencies and foreign governments on aspects of coastal planning, data acquisition and processing, and concepts for coastal protection and sediment management. Long‐term cooperative exchange programs are under way with scientists from Israel and Italy; plans are being made for similiar programs with Egypt and the People's Republic of China.
Voyager 2 on path to Uranus
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

The continuation of Voyager 2 on a trajectory that would take it to Uranus in 1986, after flying past Saturn this summer, appears certain. Under the approved plan, the spacecraft will encounter Uranus at a distance of 107,000 km on January 24, 1986, making measurements and taking pictures as it speeds past and heads for a possible encounter with Neptune.The Uranus encounter will provide the first close‐up look at that planet. Uranus is the seventh planet outward from the sun and is twice as far from the sun as Saturn; it rotates on its axis at a tilt of 98°.
Ozone measurement device
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

A new instrument mounted on an aircraft has been used by the EPA to measure ozone concentration and distribution in a column of atmosphere for the first time. The instrument is called Ultra Violet Differential Absorption LIDAR (UV‐DIAL). Previous instruments could give such data on ozone only in the area immediately surrounding the aircraft. LIDAR, light intensification detection and ranging, is similar to radar but uses electromagnetic waves of much shorter wavelength.The new instrument uses light of two different wavelengths. One of the wavelengths is absorbed by ozone, and the other is not. The difference between the two combined signals is analyzed by the UV‐DIAL to determine concentration and distribution of ozone in a column beneath the aircraft.
Fulbright Awards available
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The Council for International Exchange of Scholars still is accepting applications for geology lecturers for 1981–1982. Nominations already made are being processed; most scholars receiving awards will be notified in February or March, according to the Council.Available positions include one volcanic ash soils lecturer, Argentina; seismic analysis and antiseismic construction, Ecuador; geological engineering, Turkey; and petrology and/or optical mineralogy, Uganda. In addition, several positions are available for a lecturer in Liberia. For additional information, contact the Council, Suite 300, 11 Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Fiscal 1982 Budget highlights R&D
Authors: Richman Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

Geophysical research and development programs show growth beyond inflation in the $739.3 billion budget for fiscal 1982 that Jimmy Carter sent to Congress 5 days before completing his term. Included in the budget are provisions for increased support for the Ocean Margin Drilling Program and funds for an interagency Geological Applications Program, funds for an agriculture and resource surveys program that relies on remote sensing, and funds for the Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar mission.Ronald Reagan is expected to make changes in the budget as early as late February, although in mid January the heads of the scientific agencies could not characterize possible changes. Some Washingtonians say sharp cuts are inevitable, with basic research a prime candidate. Others, however, contend that the Reagan administration's push for productivity and innovation could prevent severe carving. Eos will track the FY 1982 budget changes through congressional approval.
World earthquake activity increases
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The number of significant earthquakes in the world increased in 1980, and the earthquake death toll was up sharply, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.USGS scientists said there were 71 significant earthquakes recorded in the world last year, compared to 56 the previous year and 62 in 1978. Eleven of the 1980 earthquakes occurred in the United States, compared to five the previous year and four in 1978.
Study to examine wind‐driven currents
Authors: Richman Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

The effects of the wind on currents along northern California will be examined under a $6.4 million study beginning April 1. The 4‐year program, called Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE), is funded by the National Science Foundation. Oceanographers from five institutions will participate.Focus of the study will be on the physical conditions involved in ocean movement, including water and air temperatures, and wind speed and direction. CODE's overall objective is to identify and quantify the processes that govern wind‐driven currents over the continental shelf along a 97‐km stretch of California. Data from Point Arena to Bodega Bay will be collected by using moored instruments, floating buoys, shipboard observations, land‐based stations, and aircraft.
Quake station in China
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The United States installed the first permanent seismological station in the People's Republic of China late last year. Located in the city of Kunming, in southern China, the station is part of the International Deployment of Accelerators (IDA) program, a network of 17 seismometers in 15 countries.The monitoring equipment, installed by scientists from the University of California's Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, measures long‐period earth movements that result from major earthquakes.
Field research proposals
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

The Center for Field Research is seeking proposals from postdoctoral scholars in need of funding, and they are also seeking volunteers for field work. The center relies on volunteers from Earthwatch, a national volunteer program.These volunteers provide the finances to cover all their own field costs and a designated share of project expenses. Total annual awards from the center exceed $600,000. Research must be able to use teams of volunteers in the field to qualify for support. Dissertation and undergraduate research are not currently eligible; however, inclusion of graduate students as staff is encouraged. There are no limits on the geographic location of projects.
Application of satellite data to study of ocean surface energetics
Authors: Gautier Catherine 
Published: October 2011

A workshop on ‘The Application of Existing Satellite Data to the Study of the Ocean Surface Energetics’ was held November 19–21, 1980, at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison. It was sponsored jointly by the Space Science and Engineering Center at University of Wisconsin‐Madison and by NASA.The major goal of the workshop was to define specific tractable problems by using the existing satellite data set. To this end the present state of research in the area of ocean surface energetics was discussed, with particular emphasis on six topics: heat fluxes at the interface, net radiative budget, currents and topography, wind and wind stress, precipitation, and sea surface temperature.
Shuttle project for students
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

Selection of 200 semifinalists has begun for the first national Space Shuttle Student Involvement Project, a joint effort of NASA and the National Science Teachers Association. The semi finalists are being selected from 1500 entries.Objective of the project is to stimulate study of science and technology in grades 9 through 12. Students compete to develop payload experiments suitable for flight aboard the shuttle. The 1500 entries, grouped into 10 geographic areas, are being reviewed by interdisciplinary teams of teachers, scientists, and engineers. Twenty students from each region will be selected. Ten finalists will then be chosen on their scientific or engineering merit. The 10 national winners and their teachers will attend a special education conference late this summer at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Science policy for the '80s
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

Science policy (if it ever was a policy) usually was to support ill‐defined or ‘basic’ research in science; the ‘policy’ was embodied in the hope that supported research would someday pay off in the form of improved technology. One of the fathers of this policy during the post‐WW‐II period was Simon Ramo, a founding member of the National Academy of Engineering, chief scientist of United States ICBM defense operation, founder of the TRW Corporation, and now a member of President Reagan's science and technology task force. Simon Ramo represents an influential group dedicated to a ‘systems analysis’ approach to forecasting technological progress, and as such the ‘systems’ approach emerges as a central theme for science policy in the 1980s.The new shift in national policy introduced by the Reagan administration includes revisions in science policy that have recently been termed as ‘searching examination’ (Chemical & Engineering News, Feb. 23, 1981, p. 22), ‘Unkind cuts’ (New Scientist, Feb. 12, 1981), and ‘The Spectrum from Truth to Power’ (Science, Technology, and National Policy, edited by T. Kuehn and A. Porter, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1981). The idea now is to speed the conversion of scientific discovery into technology in an orderly way. As never before, there are growing debates over the roles of science in society, its lines of support, its applications. More than ever, social scientists, economists, and philosophical types are trying their hand at influencing science policy in very different ways than scientists themselves, as Vannevar Bush did 30 years ago.
Prediction of Peru quakes rejected
Authors: Richman Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

In its first evaluation of an earthquake forecast, the U.S. National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council denounced the prediction by two geophysicists that a series of major quakes will occur in Peru this summer. Brian Brady of the U.S. Bureau of Mines made the prediction on the basis of a model of rock fracture. William Spence of the U.S. Geological Survey worked with Brady on the investigation of the tectonics near Peru. Despite the council's ruling, Brady maintains his prediction.Meeting at the request of the Peruvian government, the council evaluated the predictions that seismic activity (magnitude 4.5 or greater) off Peru's coast will increase by mid‐May. This increased activity will signal the start of a sequence of three earthquakes: a magnitude 7.5–8.0 event on or about June 28, a magnitude 9.2 event on or about August 10, and a magnitude 9.9 event on or about September 16. Brady and Spence used the Kanamoori scale, which is equivalent to the Richter scale below 8.0 but is more accurate above magnitude 8 because it accounts for low‐frequency tremors. The Peruvian government made the request to the U.S. council in response to public apprehension on learning of the forecast.
Voyager status report
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

As the Voyager 1 spacecraft speeds away from Saturn, it leaves in its wake a plethora of data for the team scientists to puzzle over. Although they still grapple with data from the November 12 encounter, the team scientists have put together a report of their early findings. This report, published in the April 10 issue of Science, was recently summarized at NASA headquarters by representatives of the Voyager team.The analyzed data confirm some earlier hypotheses (Eos, Dec. 2, 1980, p. 1201) and necessitate reshaping of others. For example, the ‘spokes’ in the B ring are probably explainable by Keplerian laws, or so it was hypothesized immediately after the Saturn flyby; magnetic forces also may be affecting the ring. But Titan was found not to be the largest satellite in the solar system.
Greenhouse effects on Venus
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

Calculations that used Pioneer‐Venus measurements of atmosphere composition, temperature profiles, and radiative heating predicted Venus' surface temperature ‘very precisely,’ says the Ames Research Center. The calculations predict not only Venus' surface temperature but agree with temperatures measured at various altitudes above the surface by the four Pioneer Venus atmosphere probe craft.Using Pioneer‐Venus spacecraft data, a research team has virtually proved that the searing 482° C surface temperature of Venus is due to an atmospheric greenhouse effect. Until now the Venus greenhouse effect has been largely a theory.
Walt chairs annual meetings
Authors: Richman Barbara T. 
Published: October 2011

Two major changes characterize the evolution of the AGU annual meetings, in the eyes of Martin Walt, meetings chairman. Walt, the director of physical sciences at the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, was recently appointed meetings chairman for AGU annual meetings through 1982 by AGU President J. Tuzo Wilson. Walt's term will end with the 1982 Fall Meeting in San Francisco; that meeting will be chaired jointly by Walt and his successor.The first change Walt sees is a more businesslike approach to the meetings than when he first attended more than a decade ago. ‘I think people are preparing their talks better now, the session chairmen are more rigorous in keeping to schedule, and the meeting facilities have been improved,’ Walt noted.
Re: “Hydrology”
Authors: Kennedy Joseph M. 
Published: October 2011

R. L. Nace in ‘Hydrology Comes of Age’ (Eos, 61 (53), 1980), did not mention one rather important contribution to IHD made by the U.S. Work Group on Education and Training.In 1965 the U.S. National Committee for the IHD established a Work Group on Education and Training, which was emphasized by the U.S. delegation at the 1967 IUGG conference. A detailed outline of a ‘Hydrology and Water Resources Syllabus’ was developed by L. L. Kelly of the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and presented to the U.S. committee in draft form.
Drought conditions continue
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: October 2011

Drought conditions continue in many areas of the United States, with well‐below‐normal streamflows reported during April in parts of 42 states, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.USGS hydrologists said that half of the 166 key index stations reporting in April showed streamflow within the lowest 25% of record. New record low levels for the month were set in parts of Maine, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Deficient flows have been reported throughout portions of the Midwest and East since early last summer.
NSF losing Earth sciences research funds
Authors: Bell Peter M. 
Published: October 2011

The Earth Sciences Division (EAR) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) faces a diminishing financial base from which to award grants for research, while the proposal pressure increases. Robin Brett, director of the division stated, ‘Now that the Ocean Drilling Division has become a separate entity [within the Foundation] the Division of Earth Sciences has no major facility, and with the exception of COCORP, at $2.8 million per year, we are a small science division, consisting of four programs—geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and petrology.’Brett noted, however, that the field of earth sciences research, which the NSF attempts to support, has grown rapidly in the past decade. Growth (in terms of people employed in the field) is predicted to increase markedly, as the following quotation from Science and Engineering Education for the 1980s and Beyond (NSF publication, 1980) attests: