NEW REPORT CHARTS COURSE FOR FUTURE OF GEOSCIENCES.

ADLEN, S.; BRODSLY, E. E.; OKI, T.; RIDLEY, A. J.; SANCHEZ, L.; SIMIONATO, C. G.; YOSHIZAWA, K.; SHAMIR, U.

EOS TRANSACTIONS - AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION

American Geophysical Union

Lugar: Washington D.C., EE.UU.; Año: 2004 vol. 85 p. 25 - 31

0096-3941

Over the past century, the geosciences have developed an impressive capability to understand and anticipate events occurring within the Earth system. The past decade has seen an explosion in quantitative geoscience. Progress is continuing to accelerate as advances in observational systems and computational tools are allowing simulations and predictions of geophysical processes with a temporal and spatial resolution unprecedented in human history. With these advances comes the necessity to reflect on the current state of geoscientific research, to reassess the direction in which research should be progressing, and to redefine the goals that can be realistically achieved. The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) formed a working group of young scientists charged with developing a vision for the future of the geosciences. The working group combined its expertise and enthusiasm to produce a report, “Geosciences: The Future” (www.iugg.org/geosciences.html), and symposium outlining its view of what is to come. Included in this vision are long-term goals for the major fields of geophysics; that is, plans for 50 years in the future, and short-term priorities, such as plans to address over the next decade. In addition, opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, proposals for the advancement of developing countries, and organizational recommendations for the geosciences are highlighted. The justification for this view of the future is based on the fundamental motivations and societal benefits underpinning geoscientific research.