During 1988 the Canada Geoscience Council decided to undertake a forward-looking review of the overall function and role of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). The study assessed the mandate and mission of the GSC in light of its historical relevance, present realities, and projected future trends in Canadian geoscience endeavour; ascertained which elements of GSC operations constitute core in-house activities essential to its mandate and to its viability as the national geoscientific institution; and produced perspectives on what should be the nature and level of GSC interaction with earth resource industries, the academic community, federal and provincial jurisdictions, the people of Canada and the international community. This report covers the membership and activities of the Committee and gives recommendations.

The Earth is a dynamic planet whose changes and variations affect our communications, energy, health, food, housing, and transportation infrastructure. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from a variety of land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and the USGS develop these tools, the NRC was asked by these agencies to carry out a decadal strategy survey of Earth science and applications from space. In particular, the study is to develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015, and a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This interim report outlines a key element of the studyâ€"the rationale for tying Earth observations to societal needâ€"and identifies urgent near-term actions needed to achieve this goal. A final report, due in late 2006, will provide the list of recommended space missions, programs, and supporting.

The Earth system functions and connects in unexpected ways - from the microscopic interactions of bacteria and rocks to the macro-scale processes that build and erode mountains and regulate Earth's climate. Efforts to study Earth's intertwined processes are made even more pertinent and urgent by the need to understand how the Earth can continue to sustain both civilization and the planet's biodiversity. A Vision for NSF Earth Sciences 2020-2030: Earth in Time provides recommendations to help the National Science Foundation plan and support the next decade of Earth science research, focusing on research priorities, infrastructure and facilities, and partnerships. This report presents a compelling and vibrant vision of the future of Earth science research.

The Earth is a dynamic planet whose changes and variations affect our communications, energy, health, food, housing, and transportation infrastructure. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from a variety of land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and the USGS develop these tools, the NRC was asked by these agencies to carry out a decadal strategy survey of Earth science and applications from space. In particular, the study is to develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015, and a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This interim report outlines a key element of the studyâ€"the rationale for tying Earth observations to societal needâ€"and identifies urgent near-term actions needed to achieve this goal. A final report, due in late 2006, will provide the list of recommended space missions, programs, and supporting.

A to Z of Earth Scientists, Updated Edition is a comprehensive A to Z reference of Earth scientists in areas including plate tectonics, climate change, and planetary science. Designed for high school through early college students, this is an ideal reference of notable Earth scientists from the 19th century to the present. Featuring nearly 200 entries and 100 black-and-white photographs, this title uses the device of biography in order to put a human face on science—a method that adds immediacy to the prose for the high school student who may have an interest in pursuing a career in the earth sciences. People covered include: James Hutton (1726–1797) William Smith (1769–1839) Charles Lyell (1797–1875) Mary Anning (1799–1847) Inge Lehmann (1888–1993) Walter Alvarez (1911–1988) Doris Malkin Curtis (1914–1991) Marie Tharp (1920–2006) David Keeling (1928–2005) Dawn Wright (1961–present)