1 November 2015 Feature Volume 96, Issue 20

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VOL. 96 • NO. 20 • 1 NOV 2015 Contaminated Sediment and Dam Removals

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1 NOVEMBER 2015 FEATURE VOLUME 96, ISSUE 20

Contaminated Sediment and Dam Removals: Problem or Opportunity? Restoring rivers to their free-flowing state promises a host of environmental benefits, but contaminated sediments may cloud the picture.

OPINION

My Life in Baseball and Earthquakes How earthquakes interrupted a Royals game and thrust the author into a whirlpool of politics, media, and law. 18 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT COVER Spacecraft Records 36 Rising-Tone Field Data Management: Magnetosonic Waves Integrating Cyberscience and Geoscience A rising tone in wave frequencies suggests a complicated, nonlinear series of The smartphone and tablet revolution has changed how geologists interactions between electromagnetic work in the field, but now the community must come up with sound waves and protons near the standards to tame the flood of data. magnetic equator.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 1 Contents

DEPARTMENTS

Editor in Chief Barbara T. Richman: AGU, Washington, D. C., USA; eos_ [email protected] Editors Christina M. S. Cohen Wendy S. Gordon Carol A. Stein California Institute Ecologia Consulting, Department of Earth and of Technology, Pasadena, Austin, Texas, USA; Environmental Sciences, Calif., USA; wendy@ecologiaconsulting University of Illinois at [email protected] .com Chicago, Chicago, Ill., USA; [email protected] José D. Fuentes David Halpern Department of Meteorology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pennsylvania State Pasadena, Calif., USA; University, University davidhalpern29@gmail Park, Pa., USA; .com [email protected] Editorial Advisory Board M. Lee Allison, Earth and Space Xin-Zhong Liang, Global Science Informatics Environmental Change Lora S. Armstrong, Volcanology, Jian Lin, Tectonophysics Geochemistry, and Petrology Figen Mekik, Paleoceanography Michael A. Ellis, Earth and Planetary and Paleoclimatology Surface Processes Jerry L. Miller, Ocean Sciences 5 Arlene M. Fiore, Atmospheric Sciences Michael A. Mischna, Planetary Nicola J. Fox, Space Physics Sciences and Aeronomy Thomas H. Painter, Cryosphere Steve Frolking, Biogeosciences Sciences Edward J. Garnero, Study of the Roger A. Pielke Sr., Natural Hazards 22–32 AGU News Earth’s Deep Interior Michael Poland, Geodesy Michael N. Gooseff, Hydrology Eric M. Riggs, Education Looking Back to 2010: Birth of a Kristine C. Harper, History Adrian Tuck, Nonlinear Geophysics New Vision for AGU; AGU Sections of Geophysics Sergio Vinciguerra, Mineral Keith D. Koper, Seismology and Rock Physics and Focus Groups Announce 2015 Robert E. Kopp, Geomagnetism Earle Williams, Atmospheric Awardees. and Paleomagnetism and Space Electricity John W. Lane, Near-Surface Mary Lou Zoback, Societal Impacts Geophysics and Policy Sciences 34–36 Research Spotlight Staff To Help Fix the Hole in the Ozone Production: Faith A. Ishii, Production Manager; Melissa A. Tribur, Senior Production Specialist; Liz Castenson, Editor’s Assistant; Yael Fitzpatrick, Manager, Design and Layer, Just Add Ice; Largest Grains Branding; Valerie Bassett and Travis Frazier, Electronic Graphics Specialists 34 Dominate River Bedrock Erosion Editorial: Peter L. Weiss, Manager/Senior News Editor; Mohi Kumar, Scientific Rates; How Powerful Is Jupiter’s Content Editor; Randy Showstack, Senior News Writer; JoAnna Wendel, Writer Aurora?; Microbial Communities Marketing: Angelo Bouselli and Mirelle Moscovitch, Marketing Analysts Advertising: Christy Hanson, Manager; Tel: +1-202-777-7536; Email: advertising@ Form Iron Shells in Abandoned 3–7 News agu.org Mines; Spacecraft Records Rising- Report Urges Fewer Regulations Tone Magnetosonic Waves. ©2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. Material in this issue may on Federally Funded Research; be photocopied by individual scientists for research or classroom use. Permission is also granted to use short quotes, figures, and tables for publication in scientific Engineering Climate Change books and journals. For permission for any other uses, contact the AGU Publications Resilience into New York Subways; 37–47 Positions Available Office. Birds Ignore Volcano Blast, Puzzle Current job openings in the Earth Eos (ISSN 0096-3941) is published semi-monthly, on the 1st and 15th of the month Scientists; Charles A. Barth, and space sciences. except the 1st of January 2015 by the American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. Periodical Class postage paid at Washington, 1930–2014. D. C., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Member Service Center, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. 48 Postcards from the Field Member Service Center: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern time; Tel: +1-202-462-6900; 8 Meeting Report The weather is fine for sampling Fax: +1-202-328-0566; Tel. orders in U.S.: 1-800-966-2481; Email: [email protected]. Sharing Climate Information in the Icelandic dust. Use AGU’s Geophysical Electronic Manuscript Submissions system to submit a Himalayas. manuscript: http://eos-submit.agu.org. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect official positions of the On the Cover American Geophysical Union unless expressly stated. 9–11 Opinion Digital data management systems Christine W. McEntee, Executive Director/CEO My Life in Baseball and in the field.©Brad Wrobleski/ Earthquakes. Masterfile/Corbis.

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2 // Eos 1 November 2015 NEWS

Some of these regulations, Rabb said, can be Report Urges Fewer Regulations traced back to a single isolated incident and not problematic trends. Besides tightening on Federally Funded Research controls on spending and safety, funders have sought to combat scientific misconduct. “Our committee found that this continuing growth of the federal regulatory system requirements diminishes the effectiveness of the nation’s investment in research,” Rabb said.

Analysis and Recommendations The report addresses grant writing and report- ing requirements of universities and federal agencies as well as agency policies and laws related to research funding. Among its main findings, the report con- cludes that continuing to expand regulations is harming rather than helping academic research by shifting researchers’ time from scientific endeavors to administrative tasks. Oftentimes, researchers apply for federal funding from multiple agencies, which can have redundant requirements, forcing researchers to redo the same work multiple times. “These expanding requirements are divert- Tony Oney Tony ing investigators’ time away from research Researchers work with seismic equipment to track meltwater running through Alaska’s Yahtse Glacier. Federal funds and education and directing it instead to support a vast array of research, including partially supporting this University of Texas at Austin project. A new report administrative tasks that may be inconsistent, by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls for reducing regulations on federally sup- duplicative, or unclear,” Rabb said. ported research because of excessive bureaucratic burdens they place on scientists. Possible Solutions he United States must reevaluate its “In effect, we may jeopardize our nation’s The committee laid out ways in which Con- requirements for researchers to win and leadership in science, technology, and the gress, federal agencies, research institutions, T keep federal funding, says a new report social and behavioral sciences, all of which con- and universities could relieve research fund- released on 22 September by the National tribute to the nation’s security, health, educa- ing applicants of excessive administrative Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Med- tion, and well-being,” Faulkner continued. burdens. icine. The report recommends extensive Congres- The report, titled “Optimizing the Nation’s Expanding Regulations sional review of agency grant proposal forms Investment in Academic Research: A New “In a general sense, I find it kind of a breath of and a one-size- fits-all conflict of interest pol- Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century: fresh air,” John Geissman, head of the Depart- icy for all agencies. It urges streamlining and Part 1,” addresses concerns among the ment of Geosciences at the University of Texas coordination of regulations among federal nation’s scientists that cumbersome regula- at Dallas, told Eos. Geissman, who is editor in agencies to dispel redundancies and save time. tions for acquiring federal funding take too chief of Tectonics, an AGU journal, views the Additionally, the report calls on Congress to much time away from the research itself as National Academies report as a well-deserved create an entirely new body, the Research Pol- well as from teaching and from interacting “recognition of the problem of far too much icy Board, tasked with guiding and coordinat- with the public with regard to science (see time being spent on a lot of bizarre rules and ing how federally funded research is regulated. http://bit.ly/Regs-Report). regulations that are associated with conduct- The report recommends that institutions and Although the report stresses that govern- ing federally sponsored research.” universities review their own internal policies, ment regulations have improved safety at sci- For instance, Geissman said, researchers which tend to further encumber researchers’ entific institutions and made institutions must reapply for National Science Foundation bids for funding. more financially accountable, “increasing fed- grants every 3 years, putting undue stress on One recommendation about streamlining eral regulations have hindered the output of scientists working on longer-term projects. grant proposal processes by making them uni- the remarkable research enterprise that rose Regulations for federal funding have form across agencies and shortening their from government-academic partnership,” increased dramatically in recent decades, said length particularly resonated with Geissman, said Larry Faulkner, president emeritus of the Harriet Rabb, the committee’s vice chair and who said it would be a “huge help.” University of Texas at Austin. He chaired the the vice president and general counsel for “No matter what is being attempted to be committee that conducted the study, which Rockefeller University in New York, N.Y. For done,” he concluded, “it will be very, very included input from federal agency represen- example, in the 1990s, the government estab- useful overall.” tatives, scientists, clinicians, ethicists, public lished about 1.5 new regulations every year. policy experts, and officials from universities From 2003 to 2012, however, this number rose that have received federal funding. dramatically to 5.8 new regulations every year. By JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 3 NEWS

fine-tuning their models and learning how to Engineering Climate Change adjust them to inform those decisions better. Resilience into New York Subways Air Yes, Water No Fan plants blow fresh air into subway tunnels while removing exhaust. They’re built over air shafts leading from the surface to the tunnels below, which can be as deep as 180 feet (55 meters) below the surface. The fan plants have vents to allow air in and out—through which Sandy’s storm surge entered the tunnels below. The MTA included fan plants in a 2013 announcement of its intention to refit subway stations and other parts of the system (see http://bit.ly/MTA-Plan). Most of New York’s fan plants saw only about a foot (30 centimeters) of flooding during Sandy, although even that was enough to send water down into the train tunnels. Per MTA’s orders, however, Arup engineers have designed retrofits for the sites to keep out water 12 times that deep. Protection against 12 feet (4 meters) of flooding should accommodate the storm 0) surge from a category 2 hurricane, plus offer a 3-foot (1-meter) margin of additional protection. Sandy was rated as a category 1 storm when it reached New York.

Case-by- Case Corrections Savery explained that his group created different

MTA, CC BY 2.0 (http://bit.ly/ccby2- 2.0 CC BY MTA, solutions for each plant. In the worst case, at Hurricane Sandy drove enough water into Manhattan’s South Ferry subway station to submerge the escalators. least one of the plants would be completely sub- merged. At that site, floating gates will auto- matically lift to cover air vents as waters rise. ew York City doesn’t want to relive Batten Down the Fan Plants At another, engineers designed a wall Hurricane Sandy, and officials know Hoping to avoid a repeat of that destruction, 12 feet (4 meters) high to surround the build- N it’s only a matter of time until New York’s Metropolitan Transportation ing, with doors that can withstand the pres- another big storm hits. The city’s subway Authority (MTA) hired the engineering firm sure of a flood. At that location, the group also authority is making plans to fortify buildings Arup to retrofit buildings called fan plants. plans to tie the building down lest it float away to prevent a repeat of flooding that crippled These provide ventilation for the underground during a storm because parts of it aren’t the system in 2012. An engineer described rail system but also gave Sandy-driven water a anchored to the air shaft below. some of those retrofitting plans at a first-of- way to reach tunnels. Redundant systems and additional lines of its-kind meeting this week on the resilience Now the plans for those renovations are defense will make flooding even less likely, of transportation systems in the face of cli- done, and Tim Savery, an engineer with Arup Savery said, adding that work at the fan plants mate change (see http://bit.ly/transport in Edison, N.J., who worked on the designs, could start next summer. -resilience). has described the project at the conference in Focusing on individual structures is just one Sandy struck New York City in October 2012 Washington, D.C. way to approach the problem of storm surges, with winds blowing 75 miles per hour (120 The 16–18 September meeting, organized by according to Mathew Mampara, an engineer kilometers per hour). Some parts of New York the Transportation Research Board, an arm of with the firm Dewberry, which is based in City saw almost 14 feet (4.2 meters) of flood- the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Fairfax, Va. But he says more expansive ing as the storm pushed water inland. The Engineering, and Medicine, brought together solutions—like flood gates that could close hurricane killed 285 people from the Carib- an international mix of engineers, research- New York harbor completely—require money bean to New England, 49 of them in New ers, and government officials to talk about and support that isn’t readily available. York. adapting transportation infrastructure for “Until there is political will and resource During those chaotic hours, water poured extreme weather and a changing climate. allocation for larger projects, an asset-specific down into the subway tunnels that connect Planning for future weather was the biggest approach makes sense and is what we have to Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, and the other topic of discussion at the gathering. Engineers do,” Mampara says. boroughs of the city. Seven tunnels under the and infrastructure planners are increasingly East River flooded, closing subway lines for turning to climate modelers to ensure that days. One tunnel was closed for more than a their designs will withstand extreme weather By Sam Lemonick, Freelance Science Journalist, year as it underwent $250 million in repairs. in coming years. And climate researchers are email: [email protected]

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Birds Ignore Volcano Blast, Puzzle Scientists

tooth abrasion, digestive problems, and, eventually, death because of the abrasive ash, the condors flew head first, appar- ently unperturbed, through ash plumes between their nests high in the mountains and their feeding grounds along the Patago- nian Steppe. The scavengers even ignored the smorgasbord of livestock carcasses that littered the steppe, instead regularly revisiting their usual feeding grounds. 0)

Birds Versus Volcanoes Research on how birds react to volcanic eruptions is thin. In 2010, researchers investigated seabird populations on Kasatochi

ND 2.0 (http://bit.ly/ccbyncnd2- ND 2.0 Island in the Aleutians after the

NC- stratovolcano unexpectedly let loose in 2008 and covered some of the island in 30 meters of ash (see http://bit.ly/Kasatochi). The

CC BY- Sam Fowler, majority of bird species that did An Andean condor soars over a canyon in Peru. not perish immediately returned to the island after three major eruptions of the volcano but t’s impossible to read a condor’s mind, but condors had not escaped from those condi- weren’t able to reproduce because you’d think a fiery volcano pouring millions tions?” their nesting grounds had been buried by ash. I of tons of ash onto its home would make Alarcón and his colleagues published their By 2009, the researchers found that only some the bird turn tail and head for greener pas- observations on 5 August in Behavioral Ecology sea lions and a few bird species remained on tures. You’d also assume that if that same ash (see http://bit.ly/Volcano-Condors). the island. killed hordes of livestock—a carrion-eating Similarly, the eruption of Mount St. Helens condor’s main meal—it might take advantage Explosive Interruption in 1980 in southwestern Washington state of the carnage. Prior to the eruption, scientists had already wiped out most of the surrounding wildlife, So it came as a big surprise to a group of equipped 10 condors with electronic tags that including several bird species that lived behavioral ecologists when Chile’s nearby allowed them to monitor the birds’ move- around the volcano—although some species Puyehue–Cordón Caulle volcano complex ments to better understand their breeding and were able to repopulate the area within days or suddenly erupted in 2011 and the Andean other behavior. After the eruption began in weeks of the eruption. condors they were already studying neither June of 2011, the researchers tagged 10 addi- Although researchers have studied how other fled nor feasted. tional birds and tracked their movements as bird populations react to volcanoes, this study is “The condors seemed not [to] have noticed well for the next 2 years using GPS data. They the first to track the movement of individuals that something [was] different around expected that the birds would avoid the huge before and following a catastrophic eruption. them,” Pablo Alarcón of the Universidad ash plumes, abandon their mountain nesting Nacional del Comahue in Argentina told Eos. sites altogether, or change their feeding pat- Perception or Reaction? He’s the lead author of a recent paper detail- terns to target the areas where more dead Alarcón and his colleagues propose that the ing the birds’ response—or lack thereof—to livestock lay. condors stayed true to their flight patterns and the eruption, which not only killed livestock Because eastward winds pushed the ash home ranges because finding new breeding but grounded flights around the world and over Patagonia, where the condors feed, “in and feeding grounds wasn’t worth the cost. threw Patagonian farmers into economic this sense, foraging condors were inside the Andean condors are social creatures, and despair. “The condors’ response is not com- eruption,” Alarcón said. mated couples raise only one chick every 2 or mon in the ecological and behavioral litera- But while hundreds of thousands of cattle, 3 years. Remaining in a familiar territory may ture,” Alarcón said. “How is it possible that goats, and sheep succumbed to blindness, be more important to them than avoiding

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 5 NEWS

Remaining in a familiar territory may be more important to them than avoiding potentially dangerous ash falling from the sky.

potentially dangerous ash falling from growing body of work on how organ- the sky, the authors suggest. isms behave following a volcanic erup- This explanation seems like a stretch tion. to Charlie Crisafulli, an ecologist at the Pacific Northwest Research Laboratory in Long-Term Prospects Olympia, Wash. He studies how animal The chance to observe condors affected populations react to and recover from by an eruption “fell right into their natural disasters such as volcanoes, and laps,” Crisafulli said of Alarcón and his he wasn’t involved in the research. team. “They took advantage of this “[The authors] speak of the animal opportunity by conducting a well- making decisions based on perception,” thought out and interesting study.” Crisafulli said, but the birds are merely How the birds will fare in the long run “responding to immediate experi- remains to be seen, Crisafulli noted—a ences,” such as pain. question the authors also address in the A condor flying through an ash plume paper. They raise the possibility that the won’t change course unless its eyes are condors exposed to the eruption might “burning like hell” or it experiences any suffer long-term detriments such as number of other volcano-related dis- silicosis (a lung disease) or chemical

comforts, such as difficulty breathing contamination. AFP Photo/Claudio Santana due to choking ash, Crisafulli asserted. Ash billows from Puyehue volcano in southern Chile on 5 June 2011, the Regardless, he said he considered the day after the volcano erupted for the first time in 50 years, prompting observations a solid contribution to a By JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer evacuation of 3500 people. Ash from the eruption reached Argentina.

6 // Eos 1 November 2015 TRIBUTE

Charles A. Barth, 1930–2014

He was among the first researchers to recognize the importance of nitric oxide in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

30 Years Leading LASP the NASA Advisory Council’s Solar System Exploration When Charles was named director of Committee (1980–1987). LASP in 1965, he and his wife, Louise, Awards and honors he received include the AGU Nico- who met each other in Los Angeles let Lecture (1999), JPL’s Distinguished Visiting Scientist during Charles’s graduate studies, appointment (1995), the NASA Distinguished Public Ser- moved their family to Boulder. Charles’s vice Medal (1983), the NASA Exceptional Scientific steadfast and innovative leadership at Achievement Medal (1972), and the University of Colorado LASP would span nearly 3 decades. Robert L. Stearns Award (1970). Even after retiring, he remained a committed ambassador for LASP and main- Inspiring the Next Generation tained a humble presence in the labora- In addition to his long and productive research career, tory hallways. Charles left a lasting legacy through his teaching and Charles’s focus on planetary atmo- mentoring. He began teaching in 1965 at CU-Boulder as spheres included Earth’s middle and an associate professor. In 1967, he advanced to full profes- upper atmosphere. Of 140 papers sor of astrophysical and planetary sciences. In 2002, he Charles published, approximately one- became professor emeritus. quarter addressed nitric oxide, including Charles generously shared his knowledge and passion, his last paper published in 2010. Many inspiring both colleagues and students while developing of his doctoral students continue similar the next generation of space science researchers to carry University of Colorado studies today. forward the work. He served as the primary adviser for Professor Charles Barth holds the quarter-meter Ebert-Fastie grating nearly two dozen doctoral students at CU-Boulder. In addi- spectrometer that flew on Mariner 6 and made successful flyby observa- Principal Investigator tion, he inspired countless undergraduates studying sci- tions of Mars. The spacecraft reached its closest approach on 31 July on NASA Missions ence and engineering. Through his commitment to 1969. Charles played a leading role in the hands-on education and training, Charles involved many development of spaceborne ultraviolet students in his space research and NASA missions. Today, spectrometers, small spacecraft plat- students still receive hands-on experience designing and ccomplished space researcher Charles A. Barth forms, and planetary exploration systems. Under his guid- operating spacecraft at LASP. died at his home in Boulder, Colo., on 14 Octo- ance, LASP science instruments journeyed to every planet Charles’s passion for teaching extended beyond the A ber 2014, at the age of 84. Charles directed the in the solar system. Charles served as the principal investi- university campus. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) of gator for experiments on 16 NASA missions and flew doz- America for many years. He shared his love of the majestic the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) from ens of new instruments on 59 sounding rocket (suborbital) Colorado Rocky Mountains through camping and hiking 1965 to 1992. He was among the first researchers to rec- flights. These missions included Mariners 5, 6, 7, and 9; with the Scouts and with his family. His children fondly ognize the importance of nitric oxide in the Earth’s upper Orbiting Geophysical Observatories 2, 4, 5, and 6; Atmo- recall family projects—fueled by their dad’s love of science atmosphere and its significance to ozone and water sphere Explorer C and D; Apollo 17, Pioneer Venus, Solar and technology—that included building televisions, radios, vapor. Numerous students he taught at CU-Boulder and Mesosphere Explorer (SME), Galileo, Cassini, and Student and garage door openers. others from the university community remember him as Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE). In 2013, CU-Boulder established the Charles A. Barth a devoted teacher and mentor. With the SME and SNOE missions, Charles demon- Scholarship in Space Research. The university awarded Charles spent his childhood in Philadelphia and went strated how to effectively develop and manage research the first Barth scholarship to CU-Boulder student Wren on to study chemistry at Lehigh University, receiving his missions. The Solar Mesosphere Explorer team operated Suess, shortly before Charles’s death. B.S. in 1951. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Charles a NASA mission entirely from a university for the first Charles’s wife of 60 years, Louise, and four children got a Ph.D. in 1958 from the University of California, Los time, and LASP’s tradition of conducting missions with a survive him. We will miss seeing Charles in the halls of Angeles. He was then awarded a National Science Foun- combination of professional staff and students still LASP and discussing the latest research discoveries with dation postdoctoral fellowship to conduct research at thrives today. Charles built many Ebert-Fastie grating him. His achievements in space research will be forever the University of Bonn in Germany, from 1958 to 1959. spectrometers, such as the Mariner 6 spectrometer he etched in NASA’s and LASP’s history. Returning to the United States, Charles worked as a holds in the photo. research physicist for the next 6 years in NASA’s Jet Pro- Charles participated extensively in helping guide the By Daniel N. Baker and Thomas N. Woods, Laboratory for pulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of space research community. He served on NASA’s Space Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Technology in Pasadena. and Earth Science Advisory Committee (1982–1985) and Boulder, Boulder; email: [email protected]

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 7 MEETING REPORT

included early flood warning for communities Sharing Climate Information and monsoon timing and intensity prediction for farmers.

in the Himalayas Untapped Potential International Conference on Climate Change Innovation and Resilience of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihood (ClimDev15 Conference) The participants also emphasized the im- 12–14 January 2015, Kathmandu, Nepal portance of tapping and applying indigenous knowledge while also exploring innovative ideas. Tested traditional knowledge can be integrated with scientific findings for promoting sustainable livelihoods. For example, heat energy tapped from farm manure to warm the water for household use in Nepal’s Dhading District reduces wood consumed for fuel, thereby conserving forest. How can this be employed more broadly to conserve resources? An Integrated Approach Speakers presented several case studies from the region in which community action plans and training were combined with hydrocli- matic monitoring and data visualization to tackle problems such as the shortage of water for drinking and agriculture, the lack of market access, poor-quality housing, recur- rent erosion and landslides, and urban water contamination and the “heat island effect”

Jeeban Panthi whereby the heat of municipal areas creates An automatic weather station at Langtang Mountain in Nepal Himalaya measures and transmits weather data in real an urban-driven warmer climate. time. Information from this and other stations could be placed on a data-sharing portal so that users will have easy Attendees agreed that the ability for such access to information on shifting weather patterns, climate predictions, and predictions of disease outbreaks. approaches to scale up and be replicated should also be considered.

he Intergovernmental Panel on Climate their fields to make informed decisions about Action Items Change has identified the Himalayan factors such as weather hazards, flood and Expert panelists concluded the conference by T region as a “white spot”—a place drought events, and the potential for disease spelling out the following clear ways to better devoid of meaningful data—because of the outbreaks. In Nepal and elsewhere, many tackle climate-related problems in the Hima- lack of climate and impacts information. research projects have been generating scat- layas: Both the sparsity of measurements and lack tered field data that could be made available • Include community-level knowledge. of long-term continuity of hydrologic and cli- through a common data portal that would • Translate research findings into user- matic observations contribute to data gaps in also integrate geospatial and remote sensing friendly forms for effective application. the Himalayan region. Faced with increasing information. • Connect and collaborate with all stake- climate uncertainty in the region, scientists The biggest challenge, attendees agreed, is holders in both the private and public sectors. maintain that it is essential to develop a to provide this information to stakeholders • Build a collaborative data exchange plat- regional data-sharing mechanism to guide in an understandable form. Stakeholders form. collective mitigation and adaptation efforts. include farmers and herders, nonprofits and • Organize a consortium for high-altitude To this end, scientists from 27 countries and development organizations, and many other observations including cryospheric changes. multiple disciplines gathered in Kathmandu, users with different expectations and levels The program agenda, presenter list, ab- Nepal, in January 2015 for the International of sophistication. As a start, the Nepal gov- stracts, presentation slides, posters, and Conference on Climate Change Innovation and ernment has launched a data portal for shar- some videos can be found on the conference Resilience for Sustainable Livelihood. Partic- ing climate observations (http://www.dhm website at http://climdev15.org. Madan Lall ipants agreed that the scarcity of long-term .gov.np/dpc/). Shrestha and Dilli Bhattarai from The Small data sets could be partly addressed by a com- The conference featured sessions on Earth Nepal (SEN) also contributed to this mon regional data portal, which would also climate extremes, water resource manage- meeting report. focus on quality assurance. They also identi- ment, the livelihood of women and marginal fied better communication and information groups, and policy needs for agriculture and dissemination as goals at the conference. livestock sectors. Two dedicated sessions on By Jeeban Panthi, The Small Earth Nepal, Kath- data gaps and potential remedies identified a mandu, Nepal; email:[email protected]; Data Access for All pervasive inability of regional institutions to Nir Y. Krakauer, City College of New York, New Discussion focused on how community plan- disseminate information at local and policy York, N.Y.; and Soni M. Pradhanang, University of ners need to have access to data pertinent to levels. Examples of applications discussed Rhode Island, Kingston

8 // Eos 1 November 2015 OPINION

My Life in Baseball and Earthquakes Taylor Buchanan Taylor

Last September, as the author and his son watched a postseason baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland A’s, the U.S. Geological Survey reported tremors in south central Kansas.

aseball and induced seismicity: I easily accomplished with a crowd of 40,000 time. The day after that 4.2 earthquake, I was wouldn’t have expected those worlds to people intent on texting, tweeting, and send- in Harper County, Kan., near the Oklahoma B intersect. But one night in September ing selfies to their friends, using most of the border, with Kansas Governor Sam Brownback 2014 they did. mobile phone bandwidth. and others, listening to local concerns and I was in Kansas City, watching the Royals Three days later, a magnitude 4.2 earth- talking about induced seismicity with the and the Oakland A’s play postseason baseball. quake shook the same part of Kansas. This was county commission, three TV stations, and the As the game began, my cell phone buzzed with one of more than 100 earthquakes (magni- public. alerts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) tude 2 and greater) that occurred in the state Establishing the causes of midcontinent National Earthquake Information Center: in 2014. A 4.2 earthquake might not mean earthquakes and formulating responses are a tremors in south central Kansas. For two or much in California (the 1989 World Series highly visible, complex, and contentious three innings, I read and forwarded earthquake in San Francisco was a 6.9), but it process—one that Earth science organizations earthquake-related emails—something not was the largest Kansas earthquake in a long must confront. In Kansas, things started get-

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 9 OPINION

completion and stimulation process) and salt water disposal (part of the oil production process). Hydraulic fracturing uses a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure to crack open subsurface rock formations and extract oil and gas. Some of that mixture flows back up and is pumped back into deep subsurface rocks. The issue here is not flowback from hydraulic fracturing but disposing of the salt water that comes up with the oil during the production process. This salt water is produced over the entire life of the well. Our working hypothesis at KGS postulated that the increased seismicity was related to high volumes of salt water injected into disposal wells. A small amount of the fluid ini- tially going into these wells is flowback from hydraulic fracturing. A far larger percentage of the fluid is salt water that is produced along with oil.

Addressing the Challenge Over the past 2 years, seismic monitoring in Kansas has improved. In April 2014, USGS installed nine seismometers in Harper and Sumner counties, then added more after a USGS magnitude 4.9 event in mid-November 2014 Fig. 1. Seismicity of the central United States, 2009 to July 2015. Green circles indicate earthquakes of magnitude 3 (the largest recent earthquake and the largest and larger, and their sizes reflect the size of the earthquake. Much of this seismicity is believed to be related to salt ever digitally recorded in the state). water disposal from oil and gas production, particularly in Oklahoma, Texas, southern Kansas, central Arkansas, south- KGS established its own seven-station eastern Colorado/northeastern New Mexico, and southeastern New Mexico. temporary seismic network in the area, ini- tially using IRIS equipment borrowed from the University of Missouri (from a seismology ting interesting in September 2013, when temporal), and other characteristics. When consortium funded by the National Science small earthquakes began occurring in the that system identifies an earthquake of a Foundation’s Industrial Research and Devel- south central part of the state. In the past, specific score or higher, KCC and KDHE com- opment Information System). This network is Kansas seldom experienced more than one or pile data on disposal wells (including hazard- somewhat more widely and uniformly dis- two magnitude 3.0 earthquakes per year. In ous waste, as well as oil and gas production tributed than the USGS temporary stations. 2014, we had more than 40, including two fluids) within 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of the We’re also installing a permanent statewide events greater than 4.0. We had eighty-four event. network, and we regularly receive data from 2.0–3.0 events, many of which were strong By the time the task force was formed, the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS), which enough for residents to feel. attention in the scientific community had operates seismograph stations just across the focused on salt water disposal wells from oil state line. Establishing a Task Force and gas production as a likely source of the In March 2015, KCC ordered gradual cut- In early 2014, the governor of Kansas seismicity. Midcontinent wells often produce backs in the volume of salt water going into appointed an induced seismicity task force. far more salt water than oil—salt water that disposal wells in five areas of seismic concern Staffers from the Kansas Corporation Com- is generally injected into deep subsurface in south central Kansas. It’s too early to know mission (KCC) and the Kansas Department of rock formations. Recent oil exploration in the the impact of these reductions, although Health and Environment (KDHE), two organi- area focused on rocks of Mississippian age earthquake activity has decreased, as of this zations that regulate underground fluid dis- (roughly 360 to 320 million years ago) and writing. At the same time, oil prices declined, posal in Kansas, were joined by staff from the utilized horizontal drilling. Some of these and drilling in the affected area has also Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The task wells produced large amounts of salt water slowed. force drafted a report that we submitted to and thus needed larger-volume disposal With induced seismicity, KGS was thrust the governor’s office in September 2014. wells. into a public policy debate. It’s been a chal- Because Kansas was relatively quiet seis- To be clear, the hydraulic fracturing pro- lenge, but one we could not and will not mically until recently, we relied heavily on cess itself has not been directly connected to avoid. From fracking to climate change, the two USGS monitoring stations. The task force seismic events in Kansas, and it has been geosciences deal with some of the most recommended increased seismic monitoring. linked to relatively few events in the midcon- important and contentious natural resource We also developed a seismic scoring system tinent (Figure 1). However, we differentiate issues facing this country and the world. As based on magnitude, clustering (spatial and between hydraulic fracturing (part of the well politicians and regulators work through those

10 // Eos 1 November 2015 OPINION

issues, scientists need to be part of the con- Media importantly, requests for certain data quickly versation. If we are not, we risk irrelevance Dealing with the media—from The New York raised confidentiality issues. Some 3D seismic and poorly informed decisions. Times and The Wall Street Journal to Wichita data, for example, were unavailable because The public arena of induced seismicity has television stations and local weekly newspa- of proprietary agreements between compa- created its own demands. It has required per reporters—has been equally challenging. nies. dealing with the political, media, and legal Even in these days of social media, many worlds. Here are some lessons learned about people (especially politicians) pay close A Team of Organizations each. attention to traditional media outlets. We had to face these issues—political, legal, For the most part, reporters are responsi- media—head on. We had lots of help from Politics ble and work hard to clearly communicate other Earth science organizations, especially Nearly all public agencies get thrust into pol- what scientists know and don’t know. When OGS. A November 2014 meeting on earth- itics at one time or another, but induced seis- they get issues confused or describe some- quake risk and induced seismicity organized micity required an unusual level of political thing inaccurately, however, setting the by OGS and USGS was especially timely. Our interaction for KGS. I talked regularly with record straight can be frustrating and time- state regulatory agencies, KCC and KDHE, our governor on this issue. We briefed legis- consuming. have been true partners. Work by the lative committees, including one hearing that It’s been particularly hard to communicate National Research Council, the Stanford Cen- lasted for 90 minutes, most of it questions the distinction between salt water disposal ter for Induced and Triggered Seismicity, and and answers. and hydraulic fracturing as a possible catalyst the industry has also been helpful. On the local level, we met with county com- of seismicity. But for the members of the It’s been a full year now, and we’re wrap- missioners in the affected area and took public media and the public who are opposed to ping up another baseball season. Midconti- questions and comments. In general, the hydraulic fracturing, this is a nuance, a dis- nent earthquakes continue. It’s been a bumpy locals appreciated the economic impact of oil tinction without a difference. I’ve tried to be ride and probably will continue to be. But and gas activity in their area but also wanted patient with reporters and to be thicker we’re learning more all the time, especially the earthquakes (or at least felt earthquakes) skinned, especially when reading the online about the effectiveness of our mitigation to stop. I even did a brief update on induced comments that follow newspaper articles. techniques. seismicity as part of an American Geosciences And we know that research organizations Institute briefing for congressional staff. The Legal Realm like ours can work with regulators and indus- Navigating these various corridors was In a recent meeting, I realized that I was the try to better understand seismicity, earth- challenging, especially when dealing with only one without legal representation. quake mitigation, and how to continue energy uncertainty. Politicians want clear, unequivo- Induced seismicity creates questions of liabil- production. When we do that, we not only cal answers, not more studies. They represent ity, government regulation, and the propri- improve scientific understanding, we demon- constituents, sometimes frustrated constitu- etary nature of data. Although we have long strate the relevance and value of public Earth ents, whom they want to please. At the same been subject to open records and open meet- science organizations. time, we had to make budget requests from ings laws, induced seismicity provides les- these same politicians, asking for additional sons about their intricacies and importance. funding to enhance monitoring to help us The governor’s task force followed open By Rex Buchanan, University of Kansas, Kansas understand the issue, to answer their ques- meetings requirements; I fielded an open- Geological Survey, Lawrence; email: rex@kgs.ku tions, and to help guide a response. records request for emails. Perhaps more .edu

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 11 Contaminated Sediment and Dam Removals Problem or Opportunity? By James E. Evans

12 // Eos 1 November 2015 am removal and river restoration projects can restore river health and clean water, revital- ize fish and wildlife populations, provide public recreation opportunities, and boost local economies. These projects can also unleash new problems, however, if contaminated sediments are released downstream. Take the hundred-year saga Dof the Milltown Dam, for example. In 1908, copper-mining tycoon William Clark built the Mill- town Dam on the Clark Fork River in southwestern Montana to supply hydroelectric power to his sawmills. Within months of the dam’s construction, a 500-year flood deposited tons of metal-contaminated sediment behind the dam. By the 1980s, the reservoir stored 5 million cubic meters of contaminated sediment. Arsenic levels in nearby groundwater compelled the Environmental Protection Agency to designate the reservoir a Superfund site. During an unusually wet winter in 1996, a large ice jam flowed downstream and threatened to breach the dam. An emergency drawdown of the reservoir, intended to settle the ice jam on the riverbed, released a large quantity of contaminated sediment into the river downstream from the dam, kill- ing most of the river’s fish. This ultimately led to a multiyear remediation plan involving a phased reservoir drawdown, mechanical removal of 2 million cubic meters of contaminated sediment at a cost of $120 million, and a planned breaching and removal of the dam in 2008. The Milltown Dam’s history illustrates a collision of two conflicting environmental concepts: the use of dam removals as a tool for river restoration and the release of significant quantities of contaminated sediment in rivers, especially the archive of legacy sediment in dams and reservoirs. This conflict may play out more and more over the next decades. More than 1000 U.S dams were removed between 1975 and 2015. This pace will only continue because more than 85% of U.S. dams will exceed their 50-year engineered life expectancies by 2020 [Bennett et al., 2013]. Aging dam-reservoir systems add to the impact as their sediment trapping efficiencies decline and sediment throughput increases [Juracek, 2015].

The Past as Prelude Environmental policy makers and engineers have largely treated contaminated sediment as a separate issue from the effect of dam removals, with a few notable exceptions. The 1973 removal of the Fort Edwards Dam on the Hudson River released 336,300 cubic meters of sediment within the first year while retaining 765,000 cubic meters in the former reservoir [Shuman, 1995]. Later, scientists determined that the sediments were contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a type of pollutant banned in the United States in 1979. Eventually, workers dredged 2 million cubic meters of river sediment at a cost of $561 million after decades of legal argu- ments about the merits of dredging versus sediment capping. The 2008 removal of the Milltown Dam is, to date, the most significant dam removal project involving contaminated sediment. Sediment deposits behind the dam contained heavy

The Milltown Dam just upstream of Missoula, Mont. Metal-contaminated sediment accumulating behind the dam led to a large-scale remediation effort involving a phased reservoir drawdown, sediment removal, and breaching

Thomas O’Keefe, American Whitewater/Hydropower Reform Coalition. Used with permission. American Whitewater/Hydropower Reform Thomas O’Keefe, and removal of the dam.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 13 City of Fremont, Ohio. Used with permission. City of Fremont, Ohio. Aerial photo of the Ballville Dam (Sandusky River, Ohio) where a planned dam removal for enhanced fishery habitat has become mired in a legal dis- pute about possible downstream release of contaminated reservoir sediments.

metals (arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper) from mining Ohio), the Brown River Dam (Boardman River, Michi- waste [Evans and Wilcox, 2014]. By the 1980s, the reser- gan), the Otsego Township Dam (Kalamazoo River, Mich- voir stored 5 million cubic meters of contaminated sedi- igan), and probably many others. In a significant policy ment. Studies demonstrated that the reservoir sedi- change, the Sierra Club has sued to prevent the removal ments were no longer a contaminant sink but a of the Ballville Dam (photo above) pending evaluation contaminant source. and remediation of the reservoir sediment. The concern Between initial reservoir drawdown in June 2006 and is that release of phosphate from the reservoir would dam breaching in March 2008, 140,000 metric tons of promote blooms of toxic algae (Microcystis) downstream fine-grained sediment containing 44 metric tons of cop- in Lake Erie. In 2014, toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie cut per and 6.4 metric tons of arsenic eroded from the reser- off the drinking water supply for 500,000 people for sev- voir and transported downstream. In the year following eral days. However, the lawsuit and the financial costs the dam removal, 420,000 metric tons of fine-grained associated with it and any remediation may have the sediment containing 169 metric tons of copper and 15.8 unintended consequence of preventing the dam removal metric tons of arsenic eroded from the former reservoir from taking place. [Sando and Lambing, 2011], despite the preremoval reme- The failure of a dewatering structure at the Brown diation. River Dam caused hydraulic flood damage to 66 properties and led to the unanticipated downstream release of Before and After 5700 cubic meters of sediment containing arsenic, bar- For smaller dams, there are two case studies with pre ium, lead, selenium, and zinc. Affected property owners removal and postremoval geochemistry data. After the filed a $6.3 million liability lawsuit that is still pending. 2000 removal of the Manatawny Creek Dam in Pennsyl- The Otsego Township Dam removal, which took place vania, Ashley et al. [2006] showed that downstream sedi- within a PCB Superfund site, was complicated by the ment transport reduced the number of sites in the reser- need to spend $725,000 repairing the dam to prevent voir where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and imminent failure and release of contaminants. PCBs exceeded the probable effects level [Ingersoll et al., As dams age and need to be removed, contaminated 1996] within several months after removal. sediment remediation will become increasingly frequent In the 2011 dam removal on the Pawtuxet River near and costly. Major and Warner [2008] found contaminant Cranston, R.I., Cantwell et al. [2014] used sediment traps concentrations above threshold effects levels [Ingersoll and passive samplers to document reductions in dis- et al., 1996] at eight of the nine potential dam removal solved and particulate PAH and PCB concentrations. sites in New England. Bennett et al. [2013] found low sed- Both studies showed that dam removal had minimal iment pesticide concentrations in seven of eight reser- downstream effects because of low initial volumes of voirs. The 2009 Springborn Dam removal on Scantic fine-grained sediment in the reservoir. River in Connecticut required spending $2.8 million, out Contaminated sediments have been a concern in the of a total river restoration budget of $4 million, for pre- ongoing removals of the Ballville Dam (Sandusky River, removal contaminated sediment disposal.

14 // Eos 1 November 2015 Quantifying Contamination Scientists have developed several ways to define and classify the degree to which sediments are contaminated. The sediment quality criterion for any particular contaminant is defined as the contaminant concentration in the sediment pore (interstitial) fluid that is equal to the water quality criterion. Scientists often use an equilibrium par- titioning approach to calculate contaminant concentrations in interstitial water on the basis of sediment concentrations. However, because of data limitations and because most sediments contain mixtures of contaminants, scientists must also frequently use other classifi- cation methods. The sediment triad approach (STA) uses sediment geochemistry, bioassays (laboratory measures of lethality of a contaminant to certain species or other parameters), and changes in structure, biomass, or diversity of the ecological community in the river [Long and Chapman, 1985]. STAs offer advantages, such as the reproducibility of bioassay studies, but require extensive data. Also, ecological community studies from one geographic area are unlikely to have wider applicability. Various organizations in North America have created sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The SQG for each contaminant is based on two reference concentrations that are statistically associated with biological effects. Concentra- tions below the lowest reference level are considered a minimal risk, concentrations between the two reference levels are considered threshold risk, and concentrations above the highest reference level are considered probable risk. Recently, scientists have merged several different types of SQGs into a consensus-based approach [MacDon- ald et al., 2000]. It is not clear, however, what SQGs mean in dam removal situations. First, it is not clear how preremoval reservoir sediment SQGs translate into postremoval downstream risks after the contaminants are dispersed and diluted. Variables include sediment composition (percentage clays and organic matter), transport rate, channel resi- dence time, the dynamics of downstream reaches that might create hot spots (regions of concentrated contamination), and whether or not sediment is dispersed into the ocean or a large lake. Moreover, the true threat of a contaminant is its bioavailability, which is not based solely on sediment concentration. Bioavailability also depends on whether contaminants are chelated to particulate organics or weakly bound to clays and sulfides and on environmental parameters affecting interactions between particulate phases and dissolved phases.

Reservoir Management Decisions After the decision has been made to remove a dam, contaminated sediment creates problems for management plans. In a reservoir, options for managing contaminated sediment include no action (which might be appropriate if remediation, such as dredging, creates higher risks) and sediment stabilization by capping [Randle and Greimann, 2006]. However, in some dam removal situations, neither of these options may be feasible because of hydrologic, geologic, and geochemical conditions that change in space

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 15 James E. Evans Fig. 1. Dewatered impoundment showing the complexity of reservoir sediments. The IVEX Corporation dam on the Chagrin River in Ohio was con- structed in 1842 and failed in 1994 after losing 86% of its storage capacity. Note the flood stratigraphy in the reservoir pool sediments and downstream movement (progradation) of the delta from upstream of the reservoir to the spillway. Within minutes of the failure, the rejuvenated channel incised 4.5 meters through the reservoir sediments and started widening.

and time (Figure 1). Previous studies have shown the pro- consistent with historical use but were secondarily con- gression of incision, channel widening, lateral channel centrated below the oxidized microzone in the sediment. migration, terracing, and new floodplain creation follow- Peck et al. [2007] found elevated chromium, copper, and ing dam removal [Doyle et al., 2002] or dam failure [Evans, lead concentrations in the historical 1913 flood layer in 2007]. The magnitude of sediment erosion and reworking the pool of the Munroe Falls Dam on the Cuyahoga River vastly complicates attempts to stabilize (i.e., maintain in in Ohio. This was a 500-year flood event that destroyed place) contaminated sediments. industrial facilities upstream of the reservoir. If there are Typically, more than 80% of the reservoir sediment is “hot layers” in the reservoir sediments, then the severity remobilized within several years after dam removal, of downstream effects will depend on whether or not depending on the frequency of floods [Rathbun et al., those layers are exhumed and remobilized after dam 2005]. Sediment stabilization requires hydrologic fore- removal. Currently, no published case studies shed light casting for an environment that does not currently exist: on how likely this is to occur. the exhumed former reservoir and the newly restored river channel. The set of unknowns might be mitigated by Research and Policy Needs (1) phased drawdown of the reservoir, exposure, and Dam removal managers need methods to anticipate con- restoring vegetative ground cover on the reservoir sedi- taminated sediment problems. Rathbun et al. [2005] have ments, (2) imposing a designed channel through the for- described a geographic information system (GIS)-based mer reservoir, and/or (3) diking hot spots. Few dam model called the Regional Impounded Sediment Quality removal studies document the success of these methods. Assessment (RISQA) model. RISQA uses historical data to identify upstream contaminant sources, hydrologic data to Historical Contamination Events evaluate the quantity of contaminants that were trans- In addition, few studies have considered the effects of ported to the reservoir, and the trapping efficiency of the contaminant stratigraphy. In the proposed removal of dam to assess how likely contaminants are to be present. Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River in Ohio, Evans and This type of model has great potential, and it needs to be Gottgens [2007] found DDD/DDE pesticide residues at sed- tested and made more widely available. iment levels corresponding to 1940–1980, the time when If managers suspect that a dam may be impounding farmers in the drainage basin were using the pesticide contaminated sediments, they then need follow-up DDT (Figure 2). In contrast, PAH concentrations were not studies to assess the sediment quality for each contami-

16 // Eos 1 November 2015 nant. However, translating reservoir sediment SQGs into downstream risks after dam removal will still be challenging. Managers lack information about the long-term success of phased drawdowns, capping, or hot spot isolation by diking in the former reservoir. And there are no studies about maintaining the stratigraphic isolation of hot layers. Only certain states require sediment management plans prior to a dam removal [Csiki and Rhoads, 2010]. The lack of clarity about the acceptable magnitude and/or duration of contaminated sediment release from a former reservoir after dam removal may lead to litigation, exposing the organizations involved in dam removal and river restoration to liability risk.

A Growing Problem

Recent controversies surround- Evans and Gottgens [2007] ing several dam removals, such Fig. 2. Chronostratigraphic plot of contaminant stratigraphy in a core from the Ballville Reservoir (San- as the Sierra Club’s lawsuit to dusky River, Ohio). The plot shows that DDT derivatives are found in a horizon corresponding to agri- halt the removal of Ballville cultural use in the drainage basin, whereas total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and copper (Cu) vary Dam, indicate that contaminated throughout the core. Manganese (Mn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are concentrated sediment issues will continue to below the sediment redox zone. grow in importance in dam removal and river restoration Evans, E., and A. C. Wilcox (2014), Fine sediment infiltration dynamics in a gravel- projects. The scientific and policy communities must bed river following a sediment pulse, River Res. Appl., 30, 372–384. anticipate and act on the specific needs described above Ingersoll, C. G., P. S. Haverland, E. L. Brunson, T. J. Canfield, F. J. Dwyer, C. E. Henke, N. E. Kemble, D. R. Mount, and R. G. Fox (1996), Calculation and evaluation in order to ensure that the national progress continues of sediment effect concentrations for the amphipod Hyalella Azteca and the midge in restoring rivers and improving water quality. Dam Chironomus riparius, J. Great Lakes Res., 22(3), 602–623. removals are transient hydrologic events with the Juracek, K. E. (2015), The aging of America’s reservoirs: In-reservoir and downstream physical changes and habitat implications, J. Am. Water Resour. Assoc., 51, potential of distributing contaminants downstream, yet 168–184. at the present time there is little guidance about miti- Long, E. R., and P. M. Chapman (1985), A sediment quality triad: Measures of sedi- gating these effects. ment contamination, toxicity, and infaunal community composition in Puget Sound, Mar. Pollut. Bull., 16, 405–415. MacDonald, D. D., C. G. Ingersoll, and T. A. Berger (2000), Development and evalu- Acknowledgments ation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 39, 20–31. I wish to thank Hans Gottgens, John Peck, Samantha Major, A. R., and J. P. Warner (2008), Contaminant sampling to facilitate dam Greene, and Chauncey Anderson for their insights and removal/habitat restoration in New England, USFWS Spec. Rep. FY08-NEFO- 1- EC , helpful suggestions. 53 pp., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., Washington, D.C. Peck, J. A., A. Mullen, A. Moore, and J. H. Rumschlag (2007), The legacy sediment record within the Munroe Falls Dam pool, Cuyahoga River, Summit County, Ohio, References J. Great Lakes Res., 33(2), 127–141. Ashley, J. T. F., K. Bushaw-Newton, M. Wilhelm, A. Boettner, G. Drames, and D. J. Velinsky Randle, T. J., and B. Greimann (2006), Dam decommissioning and sediment man- (2006), The effects of small dam removal on the distribution of sedimentary contami- agement, in Erosion and Sedimentation Manual, chap. 8, pp. 8-1–8-34, U.S. Bur. of nants, Environ. Monit. Assess., 114, 287–312, doi:10.1007/s10661-006- 4781- 3. Reclam., Denver, Colo. Bennett, S. J., J. A. Dunbar, F. E. Rhoton, P. M. Allen, J. M. Bigham, G. R. Davidson, and Rathbun, J., B. E. Graber, K. I. Pelto, J. Turek, and L. Wildman (2005), A sediment D. G. Wren (2013), Assessing sedimentation issues within aging flood-control reservoirs, quality assessment and management framework for dam removal projects, in in The Challenges of Dam Removal and River Restoration, Rev. Eng. Geol., 21, 25–44. Managing Watershed for Human and Natural Impacts, pp. 1–12, Am. Soc. of Civ. Canwell, M. G., M. M. Perron, J. C. Sullivan, D. R. Katz, R. M. Burgess, and J. King (2014), Eng., Reston, Va. Assessing organic contaminant fluxes from contaminated sediments following dam Sando, S. K., and J. H. Lambing (2011), Estimated loads of suspended sediment removal in an urbanized river, Environ. Monit. Assess., 186, 4841–4855. and selected trace elements transported through the Clark Fork basin, Montana, Csiki, S., and B. L. Rhoads (2010), Hydraulic and geomorphological effects of run-of- river in selected periods before and after the breach of Milltown Dam (water years dams, Prog. Phys. Geogr., 34(6), 755–780. 1985–2009), U.S. Geol. Surv. Sci. Invest. Rep., 2011-5030, 64 pp. Doyle, M. W., E. H. Stanley, and J. M. Harbor (2002), Geomorphic analogies for assess- Shuman, J. R. (1995), Environmental considerations for assessing dam removal alter- ing probable channel response to dam removal, J. Am. Water Resour. Assoc., 38, natives for river restoration, Regul. Rivers Res. Manage., 11, 249–261. 1567–1579. Evans, J. E. (2007), Sediment impacts of the 1994 failure of IVEX Dam (Chagrin River, NE Author Information Ohio): A test of channel evolution models, J. Great Lakes Res., 33(2), 90–102. James E. Evans, Department of Geology, Bowling Green Evans, J. E., and J. F. Gottgens (2007), Contaminant stratigraphy of the Ballville Reservoir, State University, Bowling Green, Ohio; email: evansje@bgsu Sandusky River, NW Ohio: Implications for dam removal, J. Great Lakes Res., 33(2), 182–193. .edu

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 17 Field Data Management Integrating Cyberscience and Geoscience

By Matty Mookerjee, Daniel Vieira, Marjorie A. Chan, Yolanda Gil, Terry L. Pavlis, Frank S. Spear, and Basil Tikoff

he geological sciences, maybe more than currently lack an efficient digital workflow and computer any other discipline, rely heavily on field scientists who specialize in databases linked by studies to evaluate and interpret the natural cybertechnologies. To this end, the project, called Earth- world. It is increasingly important for field- Centered Communication for Cyberinfrastructure (EC3; based geoscientists to incorporate digital see http://bit.ly/sonoma_EC3), organized a field excur- data management systems into their work- sion in August 2014 to Yosemite National Park and flow to increase efficiency, data sharing, and collabo- Owens Valley that brought together representatives of Tration and, ultimately, to answer larger scientific ques- these two groups. tions. Unfortunately, there is no one-size- fits- all data During this field trip, the computer scientists learned management system; field practices vary widely across about specific challenges related to field data collection, disciplines, and individual researchers tend to customize and the geoscientists were exposed to new technologies these practices further. and infrastructure concepts that could allow them to However, with sufficient community involvement and work more efficiently and collaboratively. This trip facil- communication, we can design a shared cyberinfrastruc- itated lively group discussions about field technologies ture to support most of the requirements of field-based and their supporting cyberinfrastructure. Here we report research. A community cyberinfrastructure would pre- to the broader community the results of these interac- serve all field data and relevant metadata and make it tions to help build consensus and direct future funded publicly available while eliminating time-consuming and projects. tedious postfieldwork digitization and data entry. As part of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Portable Electronic Tools EarthCube initiative (see http://earthcube.org/), NSF Much of the discussion focused on the benefits and funded a Research Coordination Networks (RCN) project downsides of the new wave of handheld devices and to facilitate dialogue between field-based geologists who computers (including smartphones, tablets, rugged lap-

18 // Eos 1 November 2015 Field Data Management Integrating Cyberscience and Geoscience

tops, GPS, and digital compasses) for field data collec- Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) proprietary ArcGIS tion. Unfortunately, there is no current standard regard- software, which limits user access. ing the usage of these tools; each field geologist develops In addition to SIGMA, there are a number of applica- his or her own methodologies and conventions. This lack tions for Windows, Android, and iOS mobile devices that of standardization makes it challenging to share data assist geological data collection. A partial list includes and to design an effective and transferable cyberinfra- • University of Kansas implementation of ArcGIS structure. • University of Texas at El Paso’s implementation of As an example of new field technology, participants the open-source alternative QGIS from the British Geological Survey (BGS) presented its • ArcPad free software package, System for Integrating Geosci- • FieldMove ence Mapping (SIGMA), which enables scientists to col- • Clino lect, visualize, and map data on rugged tablet PCs. BGS’s • Rocklogger experiences in developing SIGMA provide lessons for our • FieldNotesLT communities about developing field tools in tandem • Lambert with cyberinfrastructure. • Geology Sample Collector In particular, BGS developers work closely with geo- • Geocompass scientists, often in the field, in an iterative process to • Strike and Dip develop an effective workflow for geologic mapping, • GeoClino sampling, and macroscopic data collection. SIGMA offers • eGEO Compass a wide variety of tools for sketching, stratigraphic log- • GeoID ging, data entry, mapping structural contours, outcrop Unfortunately, all of these apps either have issues that projection, and customizing one’s workspaces. One limit their functionality or have customized interfaces Brad Wrobleski/Masterfile/Corbis

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 19 Several researchers emphasized the importance of sketches, not just as an important way of recording information but also because they play a cognitive role in thinking through scientific hypotheses like potential subsurface geometries and the temporal evolution of large- scale structures. The consensus was that the ability to easily draw interpretive lines directly on digital photo- graphs while in the field is a real advancement. Participants also felt strongly that any application that we developed should have underlying open-source code that community members could easily alter to fit their Fig. 1. During the 2014 field trip, many Earth-Centered Communication for Cyberinfrastructure (EC3) participants collected data and assessed the performance of data logging apps that use the compass- inclinometer sensors built into their phones or tablets.

One application that could ease paper-centric field geoscientists into a digital workflow with minimal dis- ruption is Capturx. This product uses a digital pen that can capture handwritten text, numbers, and sketches from a specially designed field notebook. Once the data are uploaded from the pen, the user can then convert the handwritten notes and numbers to digital form with handwriting recognition software. This approach may work particularly well for researchers who are not yet comfortable with mobile devices and software. Other field trip participants also experimented with smartphone apps with voice recognition (like Evernote) to capture field notes, with significant success. One common family of apps is point-based orientation data loggers that make use of the compass- inclinometer sensors built into many smartphones and tablets (Figure 1). During the field trip, many participants collected data using their phones (a variety of brands and models), and they assessed the quality of their measurements using several of these different apps. The results of this experiment were rather sober- ing. The range in their data for a single planar orientation was greater than 50° in the strike direction (a typical analog compass can measure the strike of a plane to within a few degrees). Much of the scatter originated from devices that lacked calibration modules, but other sources for error remain unknown.

The Ideal Field Data Collection System To assess the priorities of the EC3 field trip participants for a mobile data collection system, we had them vote on suggestions that had been proposed in small breakout groups. The ranked list of recommendations in Figure 2 shows that our participants were very interested in an all- in-one type of device as long as they had confidence in the accuracy of the sensors built into that device. This all-in-one system would alleviate the need to bring separate devices for GPS location measurements and collecting orientation data. Also, most people want an app to have the “feel” of a traditional field notebook. We interpret this result to mean that researchers do not want to be limited by the input format of a given app, for Fig. 2. EC3 participants voted on the characteristics they sought in a example, that they don’t want to wade through a series of field data collection system. Measurement accuracy, a quality screen, drop-down menus and that the freedom to customize the an uncluttered interface that mimics a notebook, and open-source code screen is important to them. were among the top priorities.

20 // Eos 1 November 2015 in most geological studies. However, in certain contexts, they would be considered metadata. Some computer scientists felt that it wasn’t important to classify data as either “meta” or “primary,” as long as community standards exist for what needs to be included. A community-developed field app would help researchers capture data and metadata using community standards. For instance, a GPS device knows how many satellites it has used to determine its position, but most are not pro- grammed to record that information, and those data are lost. Developing a field data collection app in tandem with community conversations about data and metadata standards may go a long way toward automating this process for many field-based researchers. Some participants asserted that the most important function of metadata is to document a workflow and ensure the reproducibility of results. During a group exer- cise, participants split into groups and tried to describe a detailed workflow from a preselected article. They gained an appreciation for the fact that method sections in scientific journal articles are rarely sufficient to fully reproduce a researcher’s workflow. Some argued that full methodologies should be given their own unique digital object identifier, which subsequent publications could then cite. Metadata could play a vital role in documenting those methodologies and helping researchers assess the quality of a given data set.

A Meeting of the Minds A unique aspect of the EC3 field trip was the bringing together of field-based geoscientists and computer scientists. By all accounts, this was a resounding success. Geo- scientists were introduced to the range of technological possibilities, and the computer scientists gained a much Fig. 3. EC3 participants listed different types of metadata that field geo- deeper appreciation of the issues associated with field scientists should capture as a standard part of their workflow and for geological data. It was quite exciting and rewarding to see inclusion in data repositories. how the shared field experiences on the outcrop led to conversations that simply would not have occurred other- individual needs and that there should be a forum where wise. researchers could share their modified code and modules. An important result of the EC3 field trip was the con- Last, although the software in digital fieldwork is criti- sensus on the need for developing an open-source field cal, there are some significant hardware challenges as well. data collection application that adopts community stan- Community members were concerned that the current dards on data and metadata. How that is accomplished generation of ruggedized devices has screens that are very and funded is beyond the scope of the EC3 project, but we difficult to see clearly in direct sunlight, especially if sev- hope that those who eventually develop this software will eral people are trying to look at the same screen. These con- take our observations into consideration. cerns have existed since the inception of digital mapping, These are exciting times for geologic studies. We face a and some devices address them much better than others. new era in which we can integrate field data into multidisciplinary geologic data systems, and a community- Metadata developed app will play a significant role in ushering it in. Management of metadata in a digital field workflow was another thought-provoking topic. The participants were Author Information asked to list all of the metadata that they felt were import- Matty Mookerjee and Daniel Vieira, Department of Geology, ant to collect during fieldwork (Figure 3). Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, Calif.; email: matty.mook- The initial part of this discussion focused on the very [email protected]; Marjorie A. Chan, Department of Geology definition of “metadata” and how relative a term it truly is. and Geophysics, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Yolanda For instance, in a study on the accuracy of location tech- Gil, Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern Califor- niques, information such as the number of satellites and nia, Marina del Rey; Terry L. Pavlis, Department of Geological location error would be considered data, whereas in nearly Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso; Frank S. Spear, all other studies they would be considered metadata. Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Rensselaer Conversely, lithologies, orientations, fossil assemblages, Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.; and Basil Tikoff, Department of and similar information would be considered primary data Geoscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 21 AGU NEWS

lence, and talent pool (see http://sites.agu Looking Back to 2010: .org/leadership/ strategic -plan/). It laid out dozens of objectives for the organization to Birth of a New Vision for AGU pursue to fulfill those goals. “The plan has been a ‘north star’ to guide our work and evaluate our success,” said CEO and executive director Christine McEntee, who efore 2010, AGU was no stranger to stra- AGU members and others from throughout joined AGU the same year the strategic plan tegic plans. But those plans pretty much the Earth and space science community were was adopted. B“sat on a shelf,” recalls former AGU brought together to create a new vision for the With the plan came a transformation of president Carol Finn, a scientist at the U.S. future for AGU. The results: a living document roles plus new forms of governance—includ- Geological Survey in Denver, Colo. Shelved with that has guided AGU ever since and a wave of ing a Board of Directors and expansion of the them, Finn and other Union leaders sensed at modernization and change within AGU that Council to committee chairs and focus group the time, was AGU’s chance to fully participate has remade the organization and continues to leaders. The transition and new strategic plan in, and maybe help steer, the waves of change this day. opened doors for more members to be rippling through the Earth and space sciences. involved, specifically early- career scientists Today, AGU leaders are looking back over Lighting the Way and students, in keeping with Carol Finn’s the half decade since a new type of strategic The plan articulated a mission and a vision for aspiration to “always bring the future to the plan was adopted in September 2010. Their AGU supported by four major goals in the table.” Those who contributed to building the unease before then had led to a transition in areas of science and society, scientific leader- strategic plan hoped that their contributions leadership and a revitalized process in which ship and collaboration, organizational excel- would allow AGU to live up to its promise as a

Under AGU’s strategic plan, adopted in September 2010, four strategic goals support the central mission and vision of the organization. The plan’s framers identified 8 priority objectives (bulleted) plus 20 other objectives not listed on this chart to usher AGU toward fulfilling its strategic goals.

22 // Eos 1 November 2015 AGU NEWS

leading organization in the Earth and space order to stay relevant and impactful for the the AGU leadership is a huge commitment to sciences. future,” McEntee added. this organization’s progress,” said Annie “It was really more than just the plan,” said Tamalavage, a graduate student in oceanogra- Timothy Grove, a past president of AGU and Evolve Here, Evolve There phy at Texas A&M University in College Sta- professor at the Massachusetts Institute of AGU’s evolution has taken many forms. By tion who is one of three student members of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., who was entering into a publication partnership with the 61-member Council. president when the strategic plan was devel- Wiley in 2012, the society took a major step to The current strategic plan doesn’t offer oped. “It was preparing the new leadership to “increase the breadth, depth, reach, search- answers for everything AGU will face in the operate strategically.” ability, and discoverability of [AGU’s] pub- years ahead. For instance, said McPhaden, Inspiration for the plan came from “recog- lished content and to offer the scientific AGU and sister organizations may need to nition that Earth and space science was evolv- community the focus on even ear- ing and that AGU…needed to evolve with it in fastest time- to- “The plan has been a ‘north lier stages of bud- publish in many of ding scientists’ lives the fields our jour- star’ to guide our work and to ultimately be able nals represent,” to meet goals of McEntee said. evaluate our success.” gender balance and To build global ethnic diversity. cooperation and That’s because of strengthen the geosciences, AGU forged part- insufficient education programs and opportu- nerships with sister societies, such as the Soci- nities at the lowest levels. ety of Exploration Geophysicists, the Asia Oce- ania Geosciences Society, the European Five Years New Geosciences Union, and the Japan Geoscience Nonetheless, after 5 years, the plan remains a Union, said Michael McPhaden, another past dependable source of inspiration and direction. president of AGU and a scientist at the National It serves as “a critical framework for the lead- Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ership of AGU to be able to focus our attention Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in on the most important things” under each of Seattle, Wash. the four main pillars of the plan, said Margaret AGU has also established programs to Leinen, AGU’s current president and director of “bring geoscience to the community level,” the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the with the annual Science Policy Conference and University of California, San Diego. the Thriving Earth Exchange, McPhaden “While significant progress has been made, noted. And, with programs like Sharing Sci- there is still much to be done,” added Frank ence, it has worked to helped scientists Krause, AGU’s chief operating officer. Looking improve their communication skills. Before toward the future, he said, the Board has 2010, “AGU operations were business as directed staff to “stay the course.” 13. Publication Title 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below usual,” said Finn. “Now, AGU regularly chal- Eos: Earth & Space Science News Vol. 96, No. 17; 15 September 2015 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published lenges itself to go beyond what we know, take Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 15,528 17,719 calculated risks, evolve with the times. The —JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer

(1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 13,836 15,868 result is a larger b. Paid Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid Circulation (2) (By Mail distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) and 0 0 impact in Earth and Outside Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, (3) the Mail) Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® 1,098 1,376 space science and the Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (4) (e.g., First-Class Mail®) 0 0 communities beyond.” c. Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)] 14,934 17,244

d. Free or (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Nominal 0 0 Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities Rate Distribution (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (By Mail 0 0 Ways to Grow and Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS Outside (3) the Mail) (e.g., First-Class Mail) 0 0 The strategic plan also (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 72 76 The U.S. Science Support Program (USSSP), in association with the e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) calls for AGU to diver- 72 76 International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), is currently accepting f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) sify its pool of mem- 15,006 17,320 applications for the Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship Program.

g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) 522 399 bers with regard to The submission deadline is November 15, 2015.

h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) 15,528 17,719 gender, ethnicity, race, i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) The Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship Program offers merit-based 99.52% 99.56% age, and so on, across * If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3. awards for outstanding graduate students to conduct research related the geosciences and to the International Ocean Discovery Program. Fellowship awards are space sciences. As one $30,000 for a 12-month period and are intended to support the of several ways to Award dates are generally based on the academic year and following achieve that, the plan student’ssummer. For stipend, more tuition, information bene�its, please and, visit: if necessary, related travel. urges a more welcoming atmosphere for http://usoceandiscovery.org/fellowships/ PS Form 3526, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4) students and early- career scientists. Deadline: “Allowing student and early career scien- November 15, 2015 tists to serve as part of

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 23 AGU NEWS

AGU Sections and Focus Groups Announce 2015 Awardees

Varner Receives 2015 Sulzman Award for Excellence Dr. Alexandra Moore, Dr. Dave Hutchison, Dr. Patrick Crill, Dr. in Education and Mentoring Jill Bubier, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Frank Birch, have supported and believed in me as a unique individual, each provid- Ruth K. Varner will receive the 2015 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring at the ing me with different kinds of support. I can’t thank them 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given for enough. I have also had tremendous support from faculty, “significant contributions by a mid-career female scientist as a role model and mentor for the next staff, and administrators here at UNH. They are too numerous generation of biogeoscientists.” to name individually, but I am grateful to them all. In their own way, each person has enabled me to combine my research Citation takes a lot to succeed as a team. But the core component of and mentoring in a way that allows many students and teach- Ruth Varner is acknowledged as a this success is collaboration built on the ability to recognize ers to have access to research opportunities. I am also grateful highly distinguished researcher in the strengths of each individual member. I believe my to the National Science Foundation for fostering the develop- the field of biogeochemistry, career is not only about grants and publications but about ment of programs that include an appropriate level of support where she leads projects spanning training the next generation. Every day I marvel in how to let me implement mentoring activities. field observations through global lucky I am to have the job I have. Thank you, Dr. Scott Saleska, for writing my nomination modeling and devised novel tech- The reason I have been able to understand what makes letter, and Dr. Robert Harriss, Dr. Patrick Crill, and Dr. Maria niques to measure methane. As an mentoring work is that I have been fortunate to have had sup- Hunter, for writing letters in support of my nomination. Spe- educator, she demonstrates long- portive mentors during my career. From my beginnings as an cial thanks to the Biogeosciences section of AGU for giving Ruth K. Varner term and substantial commitment undergraduate in Hartwick College’s Geology Department and me this wonderful honor. to outreach and mentorship in a continuing through my graduate, postdoctoral, and faculty —Ruth K. Varner, University of New Hampshire, wide spectrum of community and career at the University of New Hampshire, my mentors, Durham academia. Letters in support of her nomination repeatedly acknowledge the centrality of education and outreach to her research program, with particular praise for the “cas- Kapnick Receives 2015 Cryosphere Early Career Award cade mentorship model” that she helped to develop. Dr. Varner has an impressive track record as a generous men- Sarah B. Kapnick will receive the 2015 Cryosphere Early Career Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, tor, a distinguished researcher, and effective director of the to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for “a significant contribution to Joan and James Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science, cryospheric science and technology.” and Engineering Education at the University of New Hamp- shire (UNH). Citation to move the science forward productively. In this way, all of her —Marilyn L. Fogel, University of California, Merced In a warming world, snow is a publications demonstrate that prior results (which at first threatened resource, yet the glance may appear contradictory or ripe for climate skepticism) Response dynamics of this threat are quite when taken together tell a coherent story—there will be “win- It is a great honor to receive the 2015 AGU Sulzman complicated, as evidenced by the ners and losers” in snow accumulation in complex terrain Award. Being recognized for my teaching and mentoring and 2015 record low snow along the because of combinations of orographic precipitation enhance- placed alongside Dr. Sulzman is truly humbling. west coast of the United States ment, warming temperatures (where areas with temperatures During my career I have been able to do research in with simultaneous record high well below freezing will be much less sensitive than areas with remote locations and work alongside students. Early on, I snowfall across the northeast temperature close to freezing), and atmospheric circulation recognized that each student I worked with was a unique Sarah B. Kapnick coast. Scientifically, the diminishing shifts. Each of her publications provides guidance to where the individual, that while one student could be very indepen- snowpack has been well docu- community’s efforts should be focused to answer pressing dent, another needed a more hands-on approach. For sci- mented with numerous publica- societal questions about changing snow and water resources. ence to be accessible, we have to acknowledge and sup- tions, but the authors generally split into two groups: those In addition, Sarah takes considerable effort to communi- port these differences. This supportive research who specialize in snow processes (yet are not experts in cate her work effectively to a much broader scientific and environment may require multiple mentors: graduate stu- atmospheric circulation and climate change) and those who public audience than the snow hydrology community. Her dents, postdocs, staff, and faculty. My research group prac- specialize in atmospheric and/or climatic factors (yet are not ability to convey the widespread importance of her work is tices what we call “cascade mentoring.” This approach experts in snow). Sarah’s key contribution to cryospheric sci- exemplified by Kapnick et al., published in Nature Geosci- came out of a partnership between our research group at ence and to society is her deep understanding of both fields. ence (2014, doi:10.1038/ngeo2269). This paper, in addition to UNH and Dr. Jill Bubier at Mount Holyoke College. Simply She bridges the gap rigorously in her publications and her its scientific importance, presented cutting-edge snow put, cascade mentoring succeeds because it recognizes communication to both scientists and the general public. hydrology research in a high-profile forum, which is very that each student needs different things at different times All of Sarah’s work demonstrates a balanced approach to unusual for the discipline. in their development as a scientist. Most recently, I have reconciling controversial problems dealing with snow and cli- It is clear that Sarah not only is an accomplished scholar used this approach in the Research Experience for Under- mate change. She presents clearly all sides of each issue but is emerging as a key figure in identifying where the graduates program I run. The students in this program (including the strengths and weaknesses of available observa- research needs to go and exhibiting substantial influence on receive support from multiple mentors—faculty, postdoc- tional data sets and models) and ties in the observations and the field of snow hydrology. She is clearly an emerging toral scholars, international partners, and grad students. It model analysis with what we know physically and theoretically leader in the science of snow hydrology.

24 // Eos 1 November 2015 AGU NEWS

Previous AGU Cryosphere Early Career Award winners National Snow and Ice Data Center for its generous monetary Philander, and Mimi Hughes have all provided support at have become leaders in their field, and Sarah has clearly support of it. I am humbled to join the ranks of the previous important stages of my career. My collaborators have all helped demonstrated herself to be very deserving of this recognition accomplished awardees. take me in new directions. I would also like to thank my family, and to be counted among the ranks of emerging leaders in Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have many especially my husband and daughter, for their encouragement the cryospheric sciences people who have stimulated my research and nurtured my cre- and for reminding me that there is a human aspect to my work. —Robin E. Bell, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, ativity and must be thanked here. My Ph.D. adviser, Alex Hall, Receiving this award serves as motivation to continue to Columbia University, Palisades, N.Y. first suggested I look at California snowpack and has always uphold its legacy and push myself as I conduct my research. I given me advice and served as a sounding board for my ideas. hope I can live up to its significance. Response My postdoctoral adviser, Thomas Delworth, helped me develop —Sarah B. Kapnick, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab- Thank you, Robin, for your kind words. I am deeply honored as a scientist and still emboldens me to take risks. Jessica Lund- oratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to receive the Cryosphere Early Career Award and thank the quist, Jeff Dozier, Gabriel Vecchi, Elena Shevliakova, George Princeton, N.J.

Ganti Receives 2015 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award ious ways to my development as a scientist. Thank you to Bill Dietrich, Gary Parker, Sanjeev Gupta, Woody Fischer, Vaughan Vamsi Ganti will receive the 2015 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, Voller, Kyle Straub, Brandon McElroy, Colin Stark, Paola Passa- to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a young scientist for making lacqua, Roman DiBiase, and Joel Scheingross for support and a significant and outstanding contribution that advances the field of Earth and planetary surface insightful discussions. processes.” I would like to, however, single out three people to whom I owe much of my scientific growth and development. Efi Foufoula-Georgiou, my Ph.D. adviser, patiently guided me Citation site to Luna Leopold’s, Vamsi has ended up at a point that I through my early years in science and provided me with unpar- It is an honor to present Vamsi think nicely reflects the spirit of Leopold’s work. It is entirely alleled freedom to pursue a diverse set of research problems. Ganti as the recipient of the AGU fitting that he is the 2015 Leopold Award recipient. Chris Paola introduced and inspired me to the fascinating Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist —Chris Paola, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, worlds of laboratory experiments and the sedimentary record Award for 2015. Vamsi has earned Minneapolis and encouraged me to blend stochastic and deterministic the Leopold Award for rigorous, approaches in geomorphology and sedimentology. Mike Lamb creative work bridging stochastic Response advised my postdoctoral work, and his creativity and simplicity and mechanistic approaches in I thank the Earth and Planetary Surface Processes focus group in approach and diversity of topics have been instrumental in geomorphology and hydrology. His (EPSP) and the people who nominated me for this award. I am fostering my scientific growth. It was under Mike’s mentorship, Vamsi Ganti starting point was stochastic deeply honored to receive this award. During my short career, I I believe, when I made the transformation from being an engi- hydrology, and his first major have been incredibly lucky to be part of interdisciplinary neer interested in Earth science problems to an Earth scientist research contribution focused on research environments at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (at a who uses engineering and mathematical tools. so-called heavy-tail (power law) stochastic processes and time when the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics was It is my pleasure to be a part of such an invigorating and what they mean for Earth surface behavior. Vamsi played a in full flight), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and vibrant community like EPSP. I look forward to many engag- major role in understanding how power law distribution of now Imperial College, which shaped my scientific outlook. I ing and fun years of collaboration with my past and future transport step lengths in fractal landscapes leads to new frac- share this award with my collaborators, colleagues, and colleagues. Thank you. tional diffusion laws that change the way we think about ero- mentors—both past and present—who have contributed in var- —Vamsi Ganti, Imperial College London, London sional landscapes—the flux is no longer set by the local slope but instead is influenced by slopes elsewhere. This leads to replacement of ordinary integer-order derivatives in the diffu- Anderson Receives 2015 G. K. Gilbert Award sion equation with fractional-order derivatives and, in turn, to new solutions for the evolution of surface profiles with time. Robert Anderson will receive the 2015 G. K. Gilbert Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held Moving to the opposite end of the source-sink system, Vamsi 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a scientist who has either made a and colleagues showed that even though the physical geom- single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary etry of stratigraphic recording (bed thickness) is dominated surface processes, and who has in addition promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in by “thin-tail” (exponential) statistics, the recording of time is research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field.” thick tailed (power law), bounded by a time scale that is, on independent evidence, set by the avulsion frequency. He has Citation a problem, as creative in their use of technology, as diverse also made important contributions on subjects ranging from The diversity of opportunity that in the range of geomorphic environments that they have controls on the shape of stratal boundaries to how backwater greets geomorphologists today is studied, or as productive in developing new, quantified dynamics influences delta morphology. stunning: It ranges from Google theories of landscape evolution as this year’s G. K. Gilbert Vamsi has already compiled a remarkable record of highly Earth’s view of the entire planet to Award winner, Bob Anderson. creative, quantitative research across a broad range of Earth our ability to measure rocks flexing For nearly 30 years, Bob has shown us how to combine a surface dynamics. He has also been very deliberate—and not beneath breaking waves. Today, rich understanding of geomorphic processes with strong a little courageous—in leaving his comfort zone in mathemat- our challenge is less in making skills in mathematical and physical analysis in order to ical statistics to develop a unique research style that is break- observations; rather, it’s deciding attain fundamental new insights on landscapes. He has ing down two of the major, and increasingly anachronistic, Robert S. Anderson which observations can provide used this combination to develop novel theories divides in the surface process world: between erosional and critical insights on how, when, and explaining processes and landforms at scales that span depositional systems and between stochastic and determin- why diverse surface processes from eolian sand grain impacts to mountain ranges. istic approaches. Although Vamsi’s starting point on the road sculpt Earth’s surface. Few geomorphologists have been as Bob’s ability to move seamlessly from the geophysical linking mathematics with the Earth’s surface has been oppo- incisive in choosing the key observations needed to quantify aspects of crustal dynamics to the mechanics of frost

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 25 AGU NEWS

cracking to new applications of cosmogenic nuclides has Response throughout my career. His research, his choice of problems to repeatedly given us remarkable insights on how the I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I thank Doug address, and the organized manner in which he went about it Earth works. for this flattering citation. This award reflects the inspiration are mirrored in the research of the prior Gilbert awardees and During his years at Santa Cruz and Colorado, Bob has of the geoscientists by whom I was lucky enough to be have set the tone of our community’s growth in the last few mentored a noteworthy group of younger geomorphologists taught, the quality of the colleagues with whom I have decades. Being a part of this legacy has been one of the who are now advancing our field in new directions. In nearly worked over the last 30 years, and, perhaps most chief joys of my research life. all of their publications, Bob’s mentorship and intellectual importantly, the hard work, the fun, and the friendship of the But there is still much to do. Although I was lucky to catch “fingerprints” are clearly visible. Bob’s freely available students with whom I have collaborated. the waves of numerical landscape modeling and application pedagogical gem “The Little Book of Geomorphology: Let me feature one deserving more credit than most, my of cosmogenic radionuclides, it is clear that new technologies Exercising the Principle of Conservation” typifies his rigorous wife and colleague, Suzanne. I thank her for her support and like autonomous vehicles, lidar, structure from motion, and thinking, his perennial enthusiasm and curiosity, and his inspiration in all facets of our lives. That little book Doug miniaturization of environmental sensors will further push scholarly generosity. refers to was followed by the bigger book that we cowrote surface process research into new frontiers and perhaps new For his remarkable, provocative, and diverse contributions and that so dominated the early lives of our kids. worlds. But who knows what new tools will arise on the to our field, Bob Anderson is distinctly deserving of the 2015 Having written as my master’s thesis a biography of longer time frame? That’s why we play the game and what G. K. Gilbert Award. Clarence Dutton, who worked with J. W. Powell and G. K. makes it so much fun. —Douglas Burbank, University of California, Santa Gilbert to introduce the world to western North American —Robert S. Anderson, University of Colorado Barbara landscapes, I have been acutely aware of Gilbert’s work Boulder, Boulder

Pritchard Receives 2015 Geodesy Section Award cano observatories in the use of InSAR to respond to volcano and earthquake crises. Matthew E. Pritchard will receive the 2015 Geodesy Section Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be The field of geodesy is better for having Matt as a col- held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of major advances in league. Not only has his research moved several fields for- geodesy. ward, Matt has also advanced the community through his unselfish service. We are pleased that Matt Pritchard’s dedi- Citation Matt’s efforts also proved the viability of broad monitoring cation and research excellence are being recognized with the Matt Pritchard is presented with of volcanic arcs from space, establishing the basis for inter- 2015 Geodesy Section Award. the 2015 Geodesy Section Award national efforts to develop a global volcano monitoring —Michael P. Poland, Cascades Volcano Observatory, for his transcendent work in vol- strategy. U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Wash.; and Paul R. cano and earthquake science and In addition to volcanology, Matt has lent his considerable Lundgren, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. selfless support of the community. expertise to seismology, tectonics, planetary geology, glaciol- Matt was among the first to use ogy, and climate change. Although InSAR remains Matt’s pri- Response interferometric synthetic aperture mary observational tool, he has shown exceptional vision by I am humbled and honored by the kind citation. Although I radar (InSAR) to examine entire combining InSAR with other remote sensing, seismic, and find that the award process is inadequate—there are so many volcanic arcs instead of individual geologic data to attain a more synergistic view of volcanic deserving who are overlooked—I appreciate everyone who Matthew E. Pritchard volcanoes. This broader approach and earthquake processes. helped with my nomination. led to the recognition of a number Although Matt’s research alone is ample justification for This is an exciting time in geodesy. There is an explosion of of deforming volcanoes that were previously unknown, the Geodesy Section Award, his record is impressively sup- new techniques and satellite missions that allow us to tackle stimulating several follow-on studies, and has elucidated ported by a strong commitment to the community through his important scientific and societal problems, but I only became linkages between arc volcanism and large earthquakes. teaching excellence and service on numerous committees aware of this field once I arrived in graduate school. On the and initiatives, including basis of this admittedly limited evidence, I suggest that we WInSAR (Western North have to work harder as a community to communicate the America Interferometric opportunities to younger students—in particular at the middle Synthetic Aperture Radar and high school levels. My interest in geology and planetary Consortium), UNAVCO (Uni- science was nurtured during those grades by numerous volun- versity NAVSTAR Consor- teers who aided and judged science fair and 4-H projects, gave tium), NISAR (NASA-ISRO public lectures, and answered my questions about careers in SAR Mission), GeoPRISMS the field. In particular, I want to thank Robert H. Brown of the (Geodynamic Processes at University of Arizona—he answered many questions from a Rifting and Subducting Mar- high school student thousands of miles away that resulted in a gins), the Global Volcano Westinghouse Science Talent Search project and set me on the Model, and the CEOS (Com- path to graduate school at the California Institute of Technol- mittee on Earth Observation ogy (Caltech). Whenever I feel too busy to respond to help ran- Satellites) Volcano Pilot. In dom students, I try to remember his example. each of these areas Matt One great perk of being a geodesist is the supportive has promoted data sharing community of scientists. I thank my students, postdocs, men- and collaboration as means tors, advisers, and collaborators for teaching me so many to maximize science return. interesting things and making this such a fun career. Of Matt is also an exceptional course, there are always bumps in the road, and I owe a lot colleague, generous with to my wife and collaborator on projects big and small, who his time and expertise, pro- makes the journey worth it, Rowena Lohman, the 2013 recipi- viding assistance to interna- ent of this award. tional scientists and vol- —Matthew E. Pritchard, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

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Meertens Receives 2015 Ivan I. Mueller Award taught me the beauty in making sensitive geodetic instru- for Distinguished Service and Leadership ments capable of recording the smallest motions of the Earth. Sometimes opportunity intersects with interests, and I Charles Meertens will receive the 2015 Ivan I. Mueller Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership was fortunate to ride with the first wave of scientists at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes using new “portable” GPS instruments to study what has “major achievements in service and/or leadership to the geodesy community.” proved to be nearly boundless sets of geophysical problems. It has been very rewarding to contribute to what Citation Chuck has not helped—he is involved in field campaigns, data my International GNSS Service colleague Chris Rizos For the last 3 decades, Chuck analysis research, and development of new instrumentation, calls the “beginnings of a geodetic renaissance.” I owe a Meertens has served the geodesy and he freely gives his time to a variety of professional organi- debt of gratitude to Stick Ware and Chris Rocken for pro- community through his work and zations and executive boards. viding me the chance to explore GPS technology at leadership in UNAVCO, a consor- Chuck has helped hundreds of scientists over the years, UNAVCO and to Bob Smith at the University of Utah for tium of research institutions (uni- most often very anonymously and with little credit to himself. the opportunity to team up to make the first GPS mea- versities) that assists investigators Chuck is always a team player and willing to jump into any surements at Yellowstone. with space geodetic (using Global challenge to find a solution that is beneficial to the commu- Ultimately, my interests and activities tended toward under- Navigation Satellite Systems nity. And to top it off, he’s just a delightful guy—full of energy, standing and providing infrastructure needed to support a Charles Meertens (GNSS) and other techniques for enthusiasm, unshakeable optimism, and generosity. It would broad user community. In this pursuit I have been privileged to Earth science research). be difficult to imagine anyone more deserving of this award. work with a talented and creative group of technologists, sci- Chuck is one of a handful of lead- —R. Steven Nerem, University of Colorado Boulder, entists, and educators who desire to make the best geodetic ers who have helped lead the geodesy community into an Boulder measurements possible, tackle tough scientific and societal exciting new era that has employed technological advances to problems, and share data and knowledge. Ivan Mueller open vast new areas of research in the Earth sciences. He was Response embodies these collective goals, and I am deeply appreciative at UNAVCO in its infancy, and he helped build up this important I would like to thank the AGU Geodesy section and those of receiving this award that honors him. I am also humbled, as community institution from the ground up. It’s fair to say that involved in this nomination for the great honor of being this recognition extends to my many colleagues who share in Chuck has contributed, in one way or another, to virtually every selected for this year’s Ivan I. Mueller Award. Art Sylvester, at this vision of infrastructure and community for collaboration. I area of geodesy, from the development of strain and tiltmeters the University of California, Santa Barbara, first introduced am grateful to Meghan Miller for enabling this vision, to my to gravity observations, GPS field data collection, instrumenta- me to the fascinating notion of using geodetic techniques to UNAVCO colleagues who make it happen, and to my friends tion development, data analysis, archiving, and education and directly measure active geologic processes. Chris Harrison and family for their unwavering support and inspiration. outreach. Indeed, it is hard to find people in the field who and Judah Levine, at the University of Colorado Boulder, —Charles Meertens, UNAVCO, Boulder, Colo.

Jackson Receives 2015 William Gilbert Award but also of the Institute for Rock Magnetism and the team there of which I am a part, and in this spirit I gratefully accept it. Michael Jackson will receive the 2015 William Gilbert Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held I feel very fortunate to belong to the Geomagnetism and 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes outstanding and unselfish work in Paleomagnetism section in general and to the IRM in partic- magnetism of Earth materials and of the Earth and planets. ular. We share a truly fascinating field of study, building on the work of Gilbert, Gauss, Néel, and so many others, com- Citation rected by determining the AMR tensor. As a supporting letter bining the mesmerizing physics of magnetism with an end- With great pleasure we present the states, “This much-cited seminal work paved the way and less variety of geological and extraterrestrial processes. 2015 William Gilbert awardee, provided rigorous ground truth to other methods for retriev- And the Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism section is a Michael Jackson, recognizing his ing accurate paleolatitudes from sedimentary rocks, thereby real research community. For the most part our members fundamental contributions and pio- further improving paleogeographic reconstructions.” are happily independent and self-reliant, running individual neering applications in rock and Mike’s impact on our field goes beyond research accom- labs and pursuing independent lines of investigation, yet paleomagnetism and his unselfish plishments. As IRM facility manager for over 20 years, Mike we also value and support collective efforts such as the service to the geomagnetism and plays a pivotal role in its intellectual vision and in making it MagIC database and the IRM instrumentation facility, which paleomagnetism community. Many an acclaimed international center for research and educa- serve as community resources to the benefit of all. Michael Jackson know Mike as facility manager of the tion in rock magnetism. He has provided support through I owe a great debt of thanks to many who have inspired me, Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM), mentoring and training to over 200 visiting scientists. As his mentored me, collaborated with me, and improved my work and many have experienced first- style, he helps each visitor make the most of their IRM visit, through constructive criticism, and I regret that space limits the hand his generosity and help. It was once said that Mike is the blending a mix of patience, sage advice, personal assis- number whom I can mention explicitly. In Ann Arbor, Rob Van face of the IRM, but he isn’t just another pretty face. Truly, he is tance, and genuine interest in their work. In many ways, der Voo and Henry Pollack introduced me to geophysical a world-class rock magnetist known for drilling down into fun- Mike personifies the AGU motto of “unselfish cooperation.” research and more broadly to the processes of scientific damental rock magnetism to solve paleomagnetic problems. —Bruce M. Moskowitz and Subir K. Banerjee, thought and inquiry. In Minneapolis, Subir Banerjee deserves Two examples highlight his many research accomplish- Institute for Rock Magnetism, Department of Earth Sci- enormous credit for his wisdom and vision in establishing the ments. Mike discovered that nanophase magnetite caused by ences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis IRM, the collegial environment in which I’ve been privileged to orogenic fluids was responsible for large-scale remagnetiza- interact with him and with a large number of eminent visiting tion of Paleozoic limestones in North America. Using hystere- Response scientists, as well as with a host of exceptional resident schol- sis and low-temperature magnetometry, he identified which Thank you, Bruce and Subir and all my friends and colleagues. It ars, including Bruce Moskowitz, Horst Worm, Jim Marvin, Peat limestones were accurate paleomagnetic recorders and is, of course, gratifying to receive this award, and I’m truly hon- Solheid, Julie Bowles, Josh Feinberg, Dario Bilardello, and which were remagnetized long after deposition. The second ored to be in the company of the previous recipients. It’s also a Brian Carter-Stiglitz. I thank them all, I thank you all, and I hope is an elegant application of anisotropy of magnetic rema- bit disconcerting because there are many others whom I con- to see you at the IRM. nence (AMR) in sedimentary rocks that led to his discovery sider to be more qualified than I am for this distinction. But I —Michael Jackson, Institute for Rock Magnetism, Uni- that inclination shallowing due to compaction can be cor- interpret this award as a recognition not just of me individually versity of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis

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Entekhabi Receives 2015 Hydrologic Sciences Award As recognized in the Blue-Book chapter on data (National Research Council, Opportunities in the Hydrologic Dara Entekhabi will receive the 2015 Hydrologic Sciences Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be Sciences, 1991), in the hydrologic sciences like other sci- held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for outstanding contributions to the ences, significant advances often result from new measure- science of hydrology. ments that can inspire rethinking of paradigms. In another was inspiring. It was the culmination of years of delibera- chance encounter, I found myself an apprentice again. This Citation tions by a National Research Council committee chaired by time it was Eni Njoku from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory It is my great pleasure to announce Pete Eagleson. As an apprentice and student of Pete, I was who introduced me to remote sensing. I have had the Dara Entekhabi as the recipient of fortunate to witness the process and absorb its vision. extraordinary opportunity of working on hydrology mission the 2015 Hydrologic Sciences Since then and together with extraordinary students concepts and flight projects. These are large team efforts, Award. This recognition shows the and colleagues, we have feasted on the opportunities that and I am grateful for the chance to work alongside these respect and admiration that my col- the revitalized field laid in front of us. The shifted focus on teams. leagues and I have for Dara’s con- hydrology as a geoscience meant exploring at the inter- I have a long list of students and colleagues to thank. I tributions to the hydrology commu- face of meteorology and hydrology. The land surface no am sad that I cannot list them all. I am glad that the list is nity. Dara’s professional activities longer represented a marking boundary for the disci- that long. Dara Entekhabi span an impressive range, from plines. Walls had come down, and there was much to —Dara Entekhabi, Massachusetts Institute of Tech- theoretical insights, through inno- explore and learn. nology, Cambridge vative data analyses, to the management of an important satellite mission. Dara’s scientific work is based on his appreciation of the Gleeson Receives 2015 Early Career Hydrologic Science Award key role of the land surface in hydrology and meteorology. Dara’s contribution has been to clarify the complex pro- Thomas Gleeson will receive the 2015 Early Career Hydrologic Science Award at the 2015 AGU Fall cesses and feedbacks that take place at the land-atmo- Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for significant early career sphere boundary. His activities have spanned the disci- contributions to hydrologic science. plines of hydrology, meteorology, and remote sensing, as reflected in the recognition he has received from the associ- Citation transport, and the generation of elevated fluid pressures. ated professional societies: AGU, the American Meteorolog- Tom Gleeson is one of the rising The variability of permeability is such that it is often consid- ical Society, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics stars of international hydrology. ered to defy systematic characterization. Tom’s work has Engineers. Tom’s specific discipline is hydro- nonetheless revealed some order in globally compiled data; Dara’s appreciation of the importance of the land-atmo- geology, which traditionally has his 2011 Geophysical Research Letters paper “Mapping per- sphere boundary led him to seek more accurate observa- demonstrated a tendency toward meability over the surface of the Earth” (doi:10.1029/ tions of soil moisture and evapotranspiration, not only at localism and detailed and complex 2010GL045565) is another visionary effort to synthesize isolated times and locations but in a comprehensive way, modeling. Tom has embraced a and extend available data to the global scale. through remote sensing, that reveals the variability of the more holistic approach, and the On the basis of these and other precocious accomplish- Thomas Gleeson relevant processes. Dara was an early leader in applying fast-increasing impact of his work ments—impossible to adequately describe within the space the methods of data assimilation to this task, using land demonstrates the usefulness of a constraints—Tom Gleeson is a most worthy recipient of the surface models to constrain an otherwise ill-posed inverse broad perspective. He has tackled key issues in hydrogeol- 2015 Early Career Hydrologic Science Award. problem. Dara has also made important contributions in cli- ogy—groundwater depletion, the nature of permeability— —Steven Ingebritsen, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo mate science that include his work on continental-scale pre- and made substantial progress on a global scale. Park, Calif. cipitation recycling and on the connections between snow A major issue facing human society is sustainable water anomalies, boundary layer evolution, and Northern Hemi- supply for our increasing population. In that context, hydro- Response sphere atmospheric circulation. logic science must attempt to support informed decision This award is a huge honor that is both humbling and inspir- The culmination of this impressive set of contributions making. Tom led a 2012 Nature paper, “Water balance of ing. So thank you, Steven and everyone who has supported has been Dara’s leadership in the SMAP (Soil Moisture global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint,” that me along my path. Active Passive) satellite mission. I think it is fair to say that revealed that about 2 billion people worldwide live in areas I love thinking about large-scale, pressing problems with this mission would not have taken place without Dara’s where groundwater resources are stressed. Not content to engaging, multidisciplinary colleagues. The seeds of this unceasing efforts and organizational skills. Dara’s tireless state the problem, Tom then organized and wrote a series path were planted during my undergrad in an interdisciplin- work and substantial accomplishments with SMAP over the of papers that assessed possible solutions: “Towards sus- ary department that examines Earth systems holistically; I last several years really deserve to be acknowledged with a tainable groundwater use: Setting long-term goals, back- am still motivated by questions like “How, when, why, and collective “thank you” from the hydrologic community. casting, and managing adaptively” (Groundwater, 2012, where does groundwater interact with other parts of the —Dennis B. McLaughlin, Massachusetts Institute of doi:10.1111/j.1745-6584.2011.00825.x), “Regional strategies earth system?” One particularly important nugget of advice Technology, Cambridge for the accelerating global problem of groundwater deple- I received at that time was “always hang out with the best tion” (Nature Geoscience, 2012, doi:10.1038/ngeo1617), and people you can; they will inevitably rub off.” Response “Vulnerability of coastal aquifers to groundwater use and Following this advice, I have found a seemingly endless I thank my colleagues for their kind words and the recogni- climate change” (Nature Climate Change, 2012, treasure trove of smart, passionate, and kind colleagues, tion. It is a collective gratitude since the cited efforts all doi:10.1038/nclimate1413). In each case, Tom worked with collaborators, mentors, and students. I am thankful to my result from collaboration with colleagues and students. I distinguished senior hydrologists as coauthors, so that to supervisors, Stephen Johnston, Laurent Godin, Kent Nova- stand as a proxy for them. some extent these papers serve to represent community kowski, and Leslie Smith, who individually have made me a I was fortunate to enter this field at a revolutionary time. opinion. better scientist and person. And I am thankful to interact Hydrology as a geoscience marked a milestone the year I Tom has taken a similarly global approach to characteri- with many amazing colleagues who continue to propel my started as a young faculty. The book Challenges and Oppor- zation of permeability, the key hydrogeologic parameter research of groundwater systems and sustainability. And tunities in the Hydrologic Sciences was published, and it that governs groundwater flow, advective heat and solute above all, I am grateful for the best people that I get to

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hang out with: my partner, Claire, parents, family, and Chang and Zhang Receive the 2015 Mineral and Rock Physics friends, who definitely make me a better person and always Graduate Research Award support me, even while sometimes lovingly asking, “Really, you want to research that?” Yun-Yuan Chang and Dongzhou Zhang will receive the 2015 Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Sometime during my Ph.D. I became inspired by another Research Award, given annually to one or more promising young scientists for outstanding question: “How can a hydrogeologist meaningfully contrib- contributions achieved during their Ph.D. research. Recipients of this award are engaged in ute to sustainability in a changing world?” I find it very rich experimental and/or theoretical studies of Earth and planetary materials with the purpose of and interesting to simultaneously look at the world as a sci- unraveling the physics and chemistry that govern their origin and physical properties. entist interested in the Earth system and an engineer interested in sustainable water resources. It is an exciting time Yun-Yuan Chang received her Dongzhou Zhang received his B.S. in to study groundwater since it is being studied at larger B.S. in aeronautics and astronau- physics from Peking University, Bei- scales and using tools and approaches from more fields tics from National Cheng Kung jing, China, in 2008. He completed than ever before. Once again, thank you! University (Taiwan) in 2002 and his Ph.D. in geophysics under the —Thomas Gleeson, University of Victoria, Victoria, a M.Sc. in material science and supervision of Jennifer Jackson at B.C., Canada engineering from Stanford California Institute of Technology, University in 2008. She received Pasadena, in 2014. He is currently the her Ph.D. in mineral physics beamline scientist of the Partnership Visit http://eos.org/agu-news under the supervision of Steven for eXtreme Xtallography program Jacobsen and Craig Bina at affiliated with the University of to read more announcements Yun-Yuan Chang Dongzhou Zhang Northwestern University in Hawai‘i at Mānoa and located at the of AGU section and focus Evanston, Ill. Her research inter- GeoSoilEnviroCARS at Argonne group awards. ests include the influence of National Laboratory. His research defects on properties of minerals and Earth’s deep interests include physics and chemistry of the planetary interiors, water cycle. high-pressure physics, and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques.

Brantut Receives 2015 Mineral and Rock Physics Early Career Award whom I learned a lot despite the short time allowed. A Nicolas Brantut will receive the 2015 Mineral and Rock Physics Early Career Award at the 2015 AGU special mention goes to Phil Meredith, who gave me total Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for promising young freedom during my postdoc with him and who continues scientists in recognition of outstanding contributions achieved during their Ph.D. research. to support me in a variety of ways (including understanding the arcane details of the British culture and research Citation adviser, Alexandre Schubnel, for setting me up on a great system). The Mineral and Rock Physics focus research topic, his invaluable insight, and his patience with This Early Career Award is a mark of trust and an encour- group of AGU is pleased to honor me. I am also grateful to Yves Guéguen, who made me dis- agement for future work, and it gives me further motivation Dr. Nicolas Brantut as the recipient cover rock physics during his fantastic lectures at École Nor- to do the best possible work in the coming years. of the 2015 Mineral and Rock Phys- male Supérieure (ENS), and to Toshi Shimamoto for his sup- —Nicolas Brantut, University College London, London, ics Early Career Award. Nicolas port during my visits in his laboratory in Kyoto and then U.K. earned his master’s and Ph.D. from Hiroshima. I have had the the École Normale Supérieure in immense luck to study and Paris in 2010, working with Profes- then work at ENS in Paris, sor Alexandre Schubnel, Professor where I received a high-level, Nicolas Brantut Yves Guéguen, and Professor free education and found an Toshihiko Shimamoto (at Kyoto Uni- incomparable research envi- versity). Following his Ph.D., Nico- ronment and a friendly atmo- las moved to University College London (UCL), where he sphere. worked as a postdoctoral researcher with Professor Philip My research is multidis- Meredith. Nicolas’s research has ranged from experimental ciplinary and collaborative, studies to complementary theoretical advances. Over his and in the past few years I short career, he has made several important contributions to have been involved in a our understanding of fracture and friction and has shown in number of proj ects in the elegant ways how mineral chemistry and physics interact United States, France, and during coseismic deformation. At the present time Nicolas is the United Kingdom. I completing a prestigious Natural Environment Research would like to acknowledge Council research fellowship, after which he will accept a fac- the strong support I have ulty appointment at UCL. Congratulations, Nicolas! received from everyone I —Philip A. Skemer, Washington University in Saint have worked (and continue Louis, Saint Louis, Mo. to work) with. In particular, I am forever thankful to Jim Response Rice, who welcomed me in I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Mineral and Rock his group at a critical time Physics Early Career Award. I would like to thank my Ph.D. after my Ph.D. and from

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 29 AGU NEWS AGU recognizes and thanks our

Curbelo and Ghanbarian-Alavijeh Receive Organizational the 2015 Donald L. Turcotte Award Partners for their Jezabel Curbelo and Behzad Ghanbarian-Alavijeh will receive the 2015 Donald L. Turcotte Award, given annually to recent Ph.D. recipients for outstanding dissertation research that contributes directly generous support. to the field of nonlinear geophysics. This support helps AGU further Jezabel received her B.S. in mathe- in geophysical fluid dynamics. matics from Universidad de la Behzad Ghanbarian-Alavijeh develop and expand programs Laguna in 2009 and a M.Sc. in received his B.S. in water engineer- and opportunities for members. mathematics and applications from ing from Isfahan University of Tech- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid nology in 2005 and a M.Sc. in irriga- (UAM) in 2010. She received a Ph.D. tion and drainage from the in mathematics from the Universi- University of Tehran in 2007. He dad Autónoma de Madrid in 2014. received his Ph.D. in environmental Her Ph.D. work was done under the sciences from Wright State Univer- Jezabel Curbelo supervision of Ana M. Mancho at the Behzad Ghanbarian- sity under the supervision of Allen Instituto de Ciencias Matemáticas, a Alavijeh Hunt in 2014. He is currently working joint research initiative of Consejo as a postdoctoral research fellow in Superior de Investigaciones Científi- the Petroleum and Geosystems Engi- cas and three universities in Madrid (UAM, Universidad Com- neering Department, University of plutense de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid). Her Texas at Austin. His research interests include analytical and research interests include convection, instabilities and bifurca- numerical modeling of fluid flow and solute transport in disor- tions, dynamical systems, and numerical methods for problems dered porous media.

Lakhina Receives 2015 Space Weather and Nonlinear Waves and Processes Prize

Gurbax Lakhina will receive the Space Weather and Nonlinear Waves and Processes Prize at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes significant contributions in the field of space weather or nonlinear waves and processes.

Citation magnetic storms, including the classic work on the 1859 Car- The AGU Nonlinear Geophysics rington superstorm and on clarifying the physics of the mirror focus group and Space Physics and mode structures occurring in planetary magnetosheaths and Aeronomy section have awarded the magnetic decreases that occur in interplanetary space. the Space Weather and Nonlinear Gurbax Lakhina is an eminent space plasma physicist. He Waves and Processes Prize to Gur- has promoted space science both within India and interna- bax S. Lakhina, the former director tionally with other developing countries. He has acted as a of the Indian Institute of Geomag- mentor to many young researchers in India and other third- netism, Navi Mumbai, India. world countries, inspiring them both by his instruction and by Gurbax Lakhina has carried out his example. He is truly worthy of the 2015 AGU Space Gurbax Lakhina cutting-edge research on coherent Weather and Nonlinear Waves and Processes Prize. chorus wave interaction with radia- —Abraham C.-L. Chian, National Institute of Space tion belt electrons, nonlinear Research, São José dos Campos, Brazil, and University of boundary layer waves in space plasmas, microstructure of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia the interplanetary medium, and space weather. *As of October, 2015 Lakhina’s major contribution to radiation belt physics Response include development of a theory for a nonlinear coherent I am delighted and greatly honored to receive 2015 AGU Space AGU‘s organizational partnership program cyclotron interaction between electromagnetic whistler mode Weather and Nonlinear Waves and Processes Prize. I would develops relationships with organizations chorus and energetic electrons, showing that chorus has circu- like to thank AGU, the Nonlinear Geophysics focus group and that align with AGU’s values of unselfish larly magnetic polarization at all angles of propagation relative Space Physics and Aeronomy section award committee, and to the ambient magnetic field and that the waves change from my nominators/supporters for this exceptional honor. I particu- cooperation in research and the highest a highly coherent nature at the source location into quasi-co- larly thank Professor Abraham Chian for nominating me. Abe is standards of scientific integrity, while herent waves with propagation. His work on pitch angle trans- a brilliant nonlinear plasma wave and chaos researcher who maintaining AGU’s reputation. These port with coherent waves will impact the fields of space has given the field many new insightful concepts. organizations share a vested interest plasma physics, laboratory fusion, and astrophysics. I thankfully acknowledge the contribution of Bruce Tsuru- in and commitment to advancing and Gurbax Lakhina has made a seminal contribution to the tani (Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)/California Institute of communicating science and its power to generation mechanism for electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) Technology), Jolene Pickett (University of Iowa), and Olga ensure a sustainable future. in terms of ion- and electron-acoustic solitons and double Verkhoglyadova (JPL) toward my research on chorus and layers. Gurbax has made fundamental contributions in identi- ESWs. Without their important experimental inputs, it would fying the interplanetary causes of intense and superintense not have been possible to develop the theory for resonant

30 // Eos 1 November 2015 AGU NEWS

coherent chorus interaction with energetic electrons, a new Cheng Receives 2015 Natural Hazards Focus Group Award concept for energetic particle scattering with far-reaching for Graduate Research applications, further than just space plasma physics. I would like to thank my group members at the Indian Insti- Linyin Cheng will be awarded the Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research. This tute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai, R. V. Reddy, Satyavir award recognizes a promising young scientist engaged in studies of natural hazards and risks and is Singh, Sukti Ghosh, and Amar Kakad, along with Frank Verheest given in recognition of outstanding contributions achieved during their Ph.D. (or highest equivalent (Ghent University, Belgium), Ramesh Bharuthram (University of terminal degree) research. She will be formally presented with the award at the 2015 AGU Fall Western Cape, South Africa), and Shimul Maharaj (South African Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. National Space Agency) for their excellent long-term collaboration toward developing theoretical models for the observed elec- Linyin Cheng received her Student Paper Award. After her graduation, she trostatic solitary waves in the Earth’s magnetosphere by Cluster Ph.D. in hydrology and water received the Cooperative Institute for Research in and also their application to dusty plasmas. resources from the University Environmental Sciences (CIRES) postdoctoral fellow- I am indebted to Bimla Buti (India); my Ph.D. supervisor, Karl of California, Irvine (2014), and ship (2014–2015) to work with Professor Balaji Raja- Schindler (Germany); and all my collaborators and thank them an M.Sc. in ice dynamics from gopalan at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and at for contributing toward my scientific and personal growth. Clarkson University (2011). Her the Physical Sciences Division (PSD) of the National I thank my parents for encouraging me to obtain a higher doctoral research, advised by Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) education. I particularly thank my wife, Raj Lakhina, for her Dr. Amir AghaKouchak, focused Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL). Currently, undying support of me throughout our married life and my chil- on developing statistical frame- she is an associate research scientist at PSD, ESRL, dren, Vanisha and Abhishek, for their love and moral support. works for spatial-temporal non- NOAA, working with Dr. Martin Hoerling and Dr. Finally, I would like to encourage young scientists to enter Linyin Cheng stationary extreme value Judith Perlwitz. Linyin’s research interests include the fields of nonlinear plasma waves and nonlinear geophys- analysis. In 2013, she received statistical analysis of climate and meteorological ics. “Go nonlinear, young man (and woman)!” the National Center for Atmo- extreme events, spatial-temporal modeling of nonsta- —Gurbax Lakhina, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, spheric Research Graduate Stu- tionary processes, and statistical uncertainty Navi Mumbai, Indi dent Visitor Program Award and an AGU Outstanding analysis.

White Receives 2015 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award primarily acknowledge my colleagues for broadening my research, sharing their knowledge and skills, and expanding my Angelicque White will receive the 2015 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award at the 2015 AGU Fall intellectual horizons. Together, we have the privilege to study Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “significant the oceans, to learn how they function, to outline the biological contributions to and promise in the ocean sciences.” and physical structures, and to document change. The task is grand, formidable even. We dunk bottles into the ocean, we Citation In addition to being a seagoing research scientist, Angel also send little drones into the seas, we tether moorings and launch For her contribution to the mechanis- finds time to contribute to substantial outreach and education drifters, we scan the surface with satellites, yet in the end we tic understanding of exchanges of while also participating in numerous services to the oceano- see so very little of this immense, moving, alive, and fluid ocean. elements between microbial com- graphic community. This is well beyond the call of duty for a Oceanography is a bold science. I can’t imagine a more ful- munities and surrounding seawater, young soft-money scientist at this career stage. Given her cur- filling career for myself. While it is an honor to have my work it is my great pleasure to announce rent trajectory in the field, I am excited to see where Angel’s recognized by my peers, it is an honor that I share with my col- that Dr. Angelicque “Angel” White is research will lead next. I know it will continue to be exceptional. laborators, students, and technicians. the recipient of the 2015 AGU Ocean —Claudia Benitez-Nelson, University of South Caro- —Angelicque White, Oregon State University, Corvallis Sciences Early Career Award. lina, Columbia Angel’s research focuses on the Angelicque White natural exchanges of elements Response between marine microbial commu- I would like to first thank Mark nities and their environment. High- Abbott, Scott Doney, Fred lights of her work include key advances on (1) how marine Prahl, and Claudia Benitez- phosphorus dynamics modulates oceanic nitrogen fixation, a Nelson for the nomination as key source of new nitrogen in the tropics and subtropics, well as Adina Paytan and the (2) the possible positive feedback mechanisms between mid– Ocean Sciences section for water column anoxia and surface nitrogen fixation, (3) mecha- selecting me. I also thank my nisms driving summer phytoplankton blooms in the subtropical colleagues in the College of North Pacific, and (4) new pathways of methane production in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric the surface ocean that may explain the decades-old mystery of Sciences at Oregon State Uni- surface water methane supersaturation. versity for fostering a support- Angel’s insight and ability to creatively link a variety of ive and collaborative research disparate approaches have resulted in numerous high-impact environment. publications that will be cited for years to come. Angel is also Oceanography is a team known for her superb communication skills and ability to sport. The research highlights work with others. She has initiated collaborations and con- cited above are not solely my tributed to projects with scientists from a number of institutes own. They are all the result of and raised several million dollars in grant funds from sources strong collaborations and inter- including the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, NASA, the disciplinary science. And so, in National Science Foundation, and the Simons Foundation. receiving this award, I have to

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 31 AGU NEWS

Rice Receives 2015 Ocean Sciences Award Response I am deeply grateful to the AGU Ocean Sciences section for this Donald L. Rice will receive the 2015 Ocean Sciences Award at the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held award and to Bob Anderson, a longtime colleague-in-arms 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of outstanding and long- from the days of U.S. JGOFS down to U.S. GEOTRACES, for the standing service to the ocean sciences. kind words in his citation. Rewards for doing what one loves doing can come in many forms, but the recognition of one’s Citation style of program management has advanced and nurtured peers is hard to beat. Don Rice is well known for his suc- ocean sciences. My career as an NSF program officer came about quite by cessful direction of the chemical Many of us go into science believing our work will one day accident and, as far as I know, without malice aforethought. oceanography program at the benefit society, but for Don Rice, this responsibility is a center- Beginning in 1990, Dr. Neil Andersen, my predecessor at the National Science Foundation (NSF) piece of his career. After establishing himself for his research in helm of the NSF Chemical Oceanography Program, began over the past 2 decades. The ocean sediment chemistry, Don obtained a master’s degree in encouraging me come to NSF to serve as a rotator in the pro- vibrant health of the program public health to help promote research on the impact of ocean gram. As ocean chemists in academia continue to do down to today, even within a declining processes on human health, as well as the impact of human the present day when approached with such an alarming sug- research budget, speaks to his activities on the health of the ocean. To this end, he serves as gestion, I always had plenty of good reasons to decline. But I Donald L. Rice leadership, vision, and diligence in lead NSF program officer in the NSF–National Institute of Envi- eventually ran out of excuses: my postdoc left for a real job, my the pursuit of research excellence, ronmental Health Sciences Joint Program for Centers of Excel- anticipated new doctoral student got a better offer, and for the a diverse portfolio, and cultivation lence in Ocean and Human Health. Both ocean and society are first time in 12 years my NSF grant was not renewed (for good of scientists at all career levels. threatened by global warming, and Don has acknowledged reason, I will admit). In any event, I agreed to join up as a rotator Don has been instrumental in developing the field of this by his tenure on the U.S. Global Change Research Pro- “for one year, Neil.” That was 1994. In 1997, when I was offered ocean biogeochemistry through his leadership in the Joint gram’s subcommittee on “Global Change and Human Health” Neil’s old job, I accepted it as an honor. I have had no regrets. Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) and the Ocean Carbon since 1997, as well as the U.S. Global Change Research Pro- I am grateful to my family for their support for forbearance of and Biogeochemistry program (OCB). His tactical skill in gram Carbon Cycle Interagency Working Group. my eccentricities and absences over the years, to my graduate finding ways to support critical science informs his success Don Rice’s intellectual creativity extends beyond the students who taught me far more than I could ever have pre- as much as his intellectual acumen. JGOFS and OCB fol- ocean sciences, including mastery of Greek, Latin, and San- sumed to teach them, and to the hundreds of colleagues in the lowed different programmatic models, and yet a third is skrit. He is truly a Renaissance man, making him uniquely worldwide ocean sciences community who have made my life’s employed for GEOTRACES, at the intersection of trace metal deserving of the AGU Ocean Sciences Award. work a joy and an adventure. I share this award with them all. biogeochemistry, paleoceanography, and physical oceanog- —Robert F. Anderson, Lamont-Doherty Earth Obser- —Donald L. Rice, National Science Foundation, raphy. Don’s exemplary broad, balanced, and objective vatory, Palisades, N.Y. Arlington, Va.

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32 // Eos 1 November 2015 AGU NEWS

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Earth & Space Science News osm.agu.org/2016/ Eos.org // 33 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

To Help Fix the Hole in the Ozone Layer, Just Add Ice

or better or for worse, the hole in the down by the Sun and react with ozone. Earth’s ozone layer above Antarctica The scientists say that the key to success F has become a symbol of anthropo- is to inject the tiny ice particles in the genic changes to the atmosphere since its fall when little sunlight reaches the discovery in the 1980s. Thirty years later, South Pole. During this season, ice agreements between the world’s nations, particles would remain suspended in such as the Montreal Protocol, have the air for several days, giving reduced the quantity of ozone-depleting them time to absorb HCl before substances released into the atmosphere, gradually dropping to lower and the hole is expected to close within the altitudes and removing some next 35–50 years. Although this is good of the chlorine present in news, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays will the polar lower strato- continue to flood in through the area in sphere. the meantime, damaging life forms such Geoengineering is as zooplankton, which form the base of inherently risky; the the Antarctic ecosystem. authors are careful to Nagase et al. propose a geoengineering clarify that their study is solution that, according to their models, only an early investiga- would help close the hole in the ozone tion and that a great deal layer faster without the risk of dangerous of additional work needs to side effects. The chief culprit in ozone be done before it would be depletion is free chlorine, which forms advisable to begin injecting when UV radiation from the Sun breaks ice particles into the atmo- down certain chlorine-containing mole- sphere on a large scale. If their ) -0 cules called chlorofluorocarbons. The computer simulations are cor- 2 y cb highly reactive chlorine (Cl) atoms then rect, however, suspending ice /c t.ly bi :// combine with ozone (O3) to form free droplets in the atmosphere could ttp (h 0 2. oxygen and chlorine monoxide (ClO). represent a way to hasten the recov- BY , CC To solve this issue and help restore the ery of the planet’s ozone layer, miti- NASA ozone layer, the authors propose inject- gating some negative climate effects ing tiny particles of ice into the atmo- and protecting life on the planet’s sphere to remove a major chlorine- surface. (Earth’s Future, doi:10.1002/ The ozone hole above Antarctica, shown here in blue, is expected to containing molecule, hydrochloric acid 2014EF000266, 2015) —David Shultz, close in the next 50 years, but scientists report that a geoengineering (HCl), before it has a chance to be broken Freelance Writer technique could hasten the process. New AGU Member Benefit Free access to Geofacets™ AGU Millennium Edition

l Search more than 65,000 l Review details about the georeferenced maps published subsurface structure, properties, since 2000 from selected AGU composition and its evolution journals l Maps can be downloaded and l Make better interpretations and seamlessly integrated into GIS, more informed decisions about and modelling & presentation geologic conditions of multiple software, such as Google Earth areas, protecting public safety and PowerPoint Learn more at geofacets.agu.org

34 // Eos 1 November 2015 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Largest Grains Dominate River Bedrock Erosion Rates

stablished river (fluvial) bedrock ero- The researchers sion models, including the saltation- suggest that one rea- Eabrasion model (SAM), consider only a son for this effect single representative particle (grain) size. An may be that SAM does underlying assumption in current mechanis- not currently account tic models of fluvial bedrock erosion is that for all the different the rate of erosion in a river channel is pro- ways in which the portional to the energy delivered to the bed grains flow downri- by moving particles. These models do not ver, including rolling address the extent to which channel erosion and sliding. In partic- depends upon the sizes of the grains that the ular, the model does river transports. not account for larger To investigate the importance of grain size grain sizes, which are on bedrock erosion rates in the field, Turowski less likely to be et al. measured the energy delivered by particle transported by short impacts to an instrumented channel in the hops known as salta- Jens Turowski Erlenbach (Alder Creek) near Brunni, Switzer- tion. Measurement cross section in an instrumented hydrologic catchment in the Erlenbach land. By combining methods for measuring The finding that near Brunni, Switzerland. Instruments shown include Swiss plate bed load surrogate mon- impact energy with automatic sensing of grain grain size strongly itoring sensors, basket samplers, and erosion slabs. size distributions, the researchers show that controls energy deliv- the largest grains are the most important con- ery to the bed adds tributors to bedrock erosion. The team found considerable complexity to modeling channel largely determined by hillslope processes, the that although the largest grain size class, with a and landscape evolution. The team suggests authors conclude that there is a need to bet- median grain diameter of 86 millimeters, con- that it may be possible to focus future model- ter understand their role, as well as the role tributes an average of 8.8% of the total bed load ing on rare extreme events, which govern of lithology, in determining grain size distri- mass, it is responsible for 41.5% of the energy long-term erosion because they alone trans- butions. (Geophysical Research Letters, delivered to the bed, a disproportionate effect port the largest grains. In addition, because doi:10.1002/2015GL063159, 2015) —Terri Cook, not captured by SAM. grain size distributions in mountain rivers are Freelance Writer

How Powerful Is Jupiter’s Aurora?

arth is not the only planet with beauti- lengths untouched. The most energetic ful auroral displays—Jupiter boasts incoming electrons penetrate the deepest E some of the most powerful in the solar into Jupiter’s atmosphere, producing a UV system. Unlike Earth’s, which emit mostly in glow closer to the surface. Because this light the visible spectrum, Jupiter’s aurora is must travel through more of the atmosphere mostly in the ultraviolet (UV) part of the on its return to space, more of it is absorbed spectrum. Over the past 2 decades, NASA’s before it reaches Hubble’s spectrograph. Hubble Space Telescope has returned some To map where the more energetic electrons awesome images of the shimmering curtains were, the team used an elegant method: pan- Gérard et al. around the poles of the gas giant. Like Earth’s ning Hubble’s eye across the disk of Jupiter at An electron energy map could provide insight into why aurora, Jupiter’s is caused by showers of a constant rate and using a special mode of Jupiter’s upper atmosphere is so hot. energetic particles that rain down on the the instrument that tags every bit of light it upper atmosphere, exciting atoms and caus- detects with a time stamp, so that they could sphere is enormous, on the order of 10 ter- ing them to glow. later reconstruct what bit of light came from awatts, the equivalent of about 10,000 Now Gérard et al. have gone one step fur- which part of Jupiter. nuclear reactors—much greater than the ther, using Hubble to measure just how ener- The new maps could provide insight into amount of energy that Jupiter absorbs from getic these incoming particles, which in Jupi- one of Jupiter’s most enduring mysteries— the Sun. Understanding where the aurora- ter’s case are mostly electrons, can be. They why its upper atmosphere is so hot. Decades inducing electrons are depositing the most used one of Hubble’s spectrographs, an of measurements show that Jupiter’s atmo- heat is crucial to helping scientists unravel instrument that measures the spectrum of sphere contains much more heat than would how these electrons might be affecting the light—as if shining it though a prism and be expected if its only source of energy were overall balance of heat in Jupiter’s atmo- capturing the resulting rainbow. The meth- incoming sunlight. The aurora may play a role sphere. (Journal of Geophysical Research: Space ane in Jupiter’s atmosphere absorbs only the in this extra heating. The amount of energy Physics, doi:10.1002/2014JA020514, 2014) most energetic UV light, leaving longer wave- the electrons deposit in the upper atmo- —Mark Zastrow, Freelance Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 35 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Microbial Communities Form Iron Shells in Abandoned Mines

igh in the Pyrenees Mountains, deep crystal size and composition varying across in abandoned mines, scientists dis- layers. H covered peculiar black shells that To determine what sorts of microbes might seem to crop up of their own accord on metal be laying down the mineral layers, scientists surfaces. These bulbous protrusions coat used spectrometric techniques in combina- steel pipes, cables, and rods left behind by tion with an antibody-covered chip originally the miners, and now researchers think they designed to search for life on other planets. know why they form. Specifically, the team analyzed cave environ- Through careful analysis of the shells’ ments by testing for 300 different compo- composition and structure, Fernández- nents of microbial cells, such as DNA, pro- Remolar et al. concluded that microbes—fungi teins, and other biomolecules, to generate a primarily—form the shells, depositing iron fingerprint of what sort of organisms might oxide and other minerals as part of their nat- be present.

ural metabolism. The researchers report that fungal fila- Joan Santamaría The clam-like structures—composed of ments, which sequester iron ions from the Microbes build clam-like shells on the surfaces of steel an upper and lower shell—have a rough mine waters, appear to be the dominant play- objects left behind in abandoned mines. symmetry to them and always grow outward ers in the shells’ formation, especially in the from a single point of attachment. Electron latter stages of development after the base microscopy revealed small-scale, fiber-like layers have been laid down by bacteria. The shells from the surface of steel structures. crystals arranged into lines growing out- result of this complex interplay between (Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, ward from the steel surface. The shells microbes and iron-rich water is a rapid bio- doi:10.1002/2014JG002745, 2015) —David appear to be formed layer by layer, with mineralization process that sprouts iron-rich Shultz, Freelance Writer

Spacecraft Records Rising-Tone Magnetosonic Waves

agnetosonic (MS) waves, also known tory of Events and Macroscale Interactions as equatorial noise, are electromag- during Substorms (THEMIS) mission. The M netic emissions occurring near the THEMIS spacecraft orbits in the magneto- magnetic equator. They get their energy by sphere near Earth’s magnetic equator and interacting with protons trapped in Earth’s collects data from magnetic storms, the magnetic field, spiraling around magnetic boundary of the magnetosphere on the day- field lines. Historically, the frequencies of MS side, and Earth’s radiation belts. waves were believed to be “temporally con- The first event, observed in June 2010, tinuous”—that is, varying smoothly, like a revealed electromagnetic emissions of rising- trombone player sliding from one note to the tone MS waves. The authors studied a second next. This indicated a simple linear interac- rising-tone MS wave event, observed in tion between MS waves and protons Fu et al. August 2010, to eliminate the possibility that report a possible complication to this picture: the previous rising-tone MS wave emissions a sharp rising tone in their spectrogram, like were a one-time event. On the basis of the a flute player performing a series of runs and rising-tone feature of MS waves, the scien- trills. tists concluded that MS waves were possibly

A rising tone suggests a more complicated, Letters Fu et al., Geophysical Research generated from nonlinear interactions. (Visit nonlinear series of interactions between the As the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interac- http://bit.ly/THEMIS_2015 to listen to a sam- MS waves and protons. Scientists have tions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft traveled ple of the rising-tone MS waves). observed rising-tone features in other kinds from the Earth’s plasmasphere (green) to the outer radia- The team found that chorus and EMIC of plasma waves, including chorus and elec- tion belt (pink) it observed a previously unknown plasma waves were more powerful than the MS tromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. In wave, partly sound and partly electromagnetic, that waves, indicating that particles interact more those waves, the web of forces between the could affect space weather. efficiently with those waves than with MS particles creates currents that boost the waves. (Geophysical Research Letters, wave’s frequency. However, scientists had The team used data collected from two doi:10.1002/2014GL061867, 2014) —Catherine never seen this behavior in MS waves. specific events recorded by NASA’s Time His- Minnehan, Freelance Writer

36 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Atmospheric Sciences achieving a diverse work force. A background check will be required for AGU’s Career Center is the main resource for Postdoctoral Research Associate employment in this position. recruitment advertising. The Shepson Tropospheric Chemis- try Research Group at Purdue Univer- Tenure-track position in Climate sity has an opening for a Postdoctoral Dynamics, University of Colorado, All Positions Available and additional job postings can be Research Associate. The position Boulder viewed at involves work aimed at developing and The Department of Atmospheric and https://eos.org/jobs-support. improving methods for quantification Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the Univer- of sources and sinks of greenhouse sity of Colorado Boulder, invites appli- AGU offers printed recruitment advertising in Eos to gases, focusing on aircraft-based cations for a tenure-track faculty posi- reinforce your online job visibility and your brand. methods. This work is part of the Indi- tion in climate dynamics. We are anapolis Flux Experiment (INFLUX). seeking a person who will develop a Contact [email protected] for more information Depending on interests, there may also vibrant research program comple- be an opportunity to lead, and to work menting existing strengths within about reserving an online job posting with a printed Eos on a number of other problems in ATOC, on the Boulder Campus, and in recruitment advertisement. atmospheric chemistry, including: the Boulder research community, and 1. Nitrogen cycling in forest envi- who is committed to excellence in ronments undergraduate and graduate teaching. LINE LISTING RATES: 2. Aerosol phase photochemistry The position will be filled at the Assis- 3. Arctic halogen chemistry and tant Professor level. Review of applica-

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Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 37 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

career site. In order to access this post- ences, or a related field. The candi- national origin, disability status, pro- Geochemistry ing, please use the keyword search for dates will have substantial back- tected veteran status, or any other posting #F02886. grounds in observations, theory, and/ characteristic protected by law. Aqueous and Environmental Geo- or modeling in tropical meteorology chemistry Position: The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sci- (e.g., tropical cyclones), convec- Biogeosciences The Department of Geosciences at ences Program at Princeton Univer- tive-scale storms (e.g., supercell), and the University of Massachusetts invites sity, in association with NOAA’s associated analysis skill, to develop Assistant Professor, Environmental applications for a tenure track position Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Labora- tools to aid GFDL model developers in Sciences in Aqueous and Environmental Geo- tory (GFDL), seeks two postdoctoral building a next generation multi-scale The University of Virginia College chemistry at the Assistant Professor or more senior researchers: prediction system for high impact and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences level starting Fall 2016. We are seek- 1) To analyze observational datasets, weather events. Department of Environmental Sciences ing talented applicants qualified for an including satellite data, airplane recon- The positions are for one year invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor position. Under naissance data, and reanalysis data, to renewable for up to three years pend- Assistant Professor position in remote exceptional circumstances, highly validate the tropical cyclones (TCs) in ing satisfactory progress and continued sensing of Earth surface processes. We qualified candidates at other ranks may weather-scale and subseasonal-to- funding. Interested candidates should seek candidates who are dedicated to receive consideration. seasonal (0-90 day) simulations of contact Shian-Jiann Lin (shian-jiann. our mission and passionate about A Ph.D. in Geosciences or related GFDL HiRAM, of resolutions ranging [email protected]), Jan-Huey Chen research and teaching in a world-class field is required at the time of appoint- from 25 (global) to 1 km (refined grid). ([email protected]), and/or institution. Examples of research areas ment and post-doctoral experience is Topics of interest include the TC ther- Lucas Harris ([email protected]) that would strengthen and enhance our preferred. modynamic structure, rainbands, eye- for further information. existing program include, but are not The successful candidate will have walls, and convective elements? TC Complete applications, including a limited to, the application of remote research interests within the broad rainfall studies? TC extratropical tran- CV, publication list, 3 letters of rec- sensing to hydrological, geomorpho- area covered by the position title. sition? the interaction between TC and ommendation, and a one-to-two logical, ecological, and atmospheric These areas might include critical zone large-scale circulation? short-term page statement of research interests processes, especially as related to land and near-surface weathering, pro- forecasts to seasonal predictability. should be submitted by December 1, use, land surface, and climate change. cesses that occur at solid-water inter- 2) To conduct frontier studies on the 2015 for full consideration, though Regardless of research focus, we wish face, including biological interactions, genesis mechanism and predictability evaluation will be ongoing until suit- to hire an outstanding scientist who or chemical, physical and biological of severe convective storms over the able candidates are identified. Appli- will thrive in an interdisciplinary processes controlling the transport of continental Unites States using avail- cants should apply online to http:// department. dissolved species. It is hoped that the able satellite and radar observations jobs.princeton.edu, Requisition In addition to developing external candidate will have interests in iso- and a newly-developed global #1500814. This position is subject to funding to support research endeavors, tope or trace element geochemistry cloud-resolving model with refined- the University’s background check candidates will be expected to teach at and the application of geochemical grid capability, for the validation and policy. Princeton University is an the graduate and undergraduate levels tools to a broad range of scientific the ultimate goal of transitioning the equal opportunity employer and all and provide service to the University, questions. prediction capability into operational qualified applicants will receive con- Department, and professional organi- Research within the Department of forecasting. sideration for employment without zations. Geosciences revolves around four Each selected candidate must have a regard to race, color, religion, sex, Review of applications will begin main clusters: Global Change and Sur- Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric sci- sexual orientation, gender identity, November 15, 2015. The anticipated face Processes; Water; Dynamic Earth; appointment start date will be August and Geography, Society and the Envi- 25, 2016. Applicants must be on track ronment. It is expected that successful to receive a Ph.D. in the relevant field candidate will develop a rigorous by May 2016 and must hold a Ph.D. at externally funded research program the time of appointment. Successful and contribute to one or more of these candidates will be expected to teach an research themes. Candidates who introductory course on remote sensing have experience in integrating geo- from a physical basis to upper-level chemical tools with quantitative undergraduate and graduate students, approaches to solving problems in along with a follow-on class on natural systems are especially encour- remote sensing applications at a simi- aged Field-oriented research that lar level. could be incorporated into both To apply candidates must submit a undergraduate and graduate courses Candidate Profile through Jobs@UVa will be an asset. Teaching will involve (https://jobs.virginia.edu), search on participation in a large-enrollment posting number 0617276 and elec- introductory course in addition to tronically attach the following: a cover appropriate advanced undergraduate letter of interest describing research and graduate courses. agenda and teaching experience, a Applicants must submit a cover let- curriculum vitae, sample publications ter, CV, research statement, teaching submitted as writing sample 1, and statement, and contact information contact information for three refer- for three referees familiar with their ences. research and teaching efforts to: Questions regarding the position http://umass.interviewexchange.com/ should be directed to: Todd Scanlon, jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=64033. For [email protected]. Questions more information, visit the Depart- regarding the application process in ment of Geosciences website (www. JOBS@UVa should be directed to: geo.umass.edu) or contact the Search Rachel Short, [email protected], Committee Chair ([email protected]. 434-924-7763. edu). Review of applicants will begin The University will perform back- 16 November 2015 and continue until ground checks on all new faculty hires the ideal candidate is identified. prior to making a final offer of The university is committed to employment. active recruitment of a diverse faculty The University of Virginia is an equal and student body. The University of opportunity/affirmative action Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirma- employer. Women, minorities, veter- tive Action/Equal Opportunity ans and persons with disabilities are Employer of women, minorities, pro- encouraged to apply. tected veterans, and individuals with

38 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

disabilities and encourages applica- laboratory-based courses, oversight of posed research figures heavily in the addresses of three individuals from tions from these and other protected radiation and environmental health evaluation of the application. Review of whom the search committee can group members. Because broad diver- and safety compliance, and laboratory the applications will begin on Decem- request letters of reference. Please sity is essential to an inclusive climate financial management. Laboratory ber 1, 2015. Address any questions you apply at: https://academicjobsonline. and critical to the University’s goals of technique development and adapta- have to [email protected]. org/ajo/jobs/6199 achieving excellence in all areas, we tion for analysis of diverse geologic edu. Carnegie Institution is an Equal Review of applications will com- will holistically assess the many quali- and environmental materials Opportunity Employer. All qualified mence October 31, 2015. The position fications of each applicant and favor- expected, with opportunities to pursue applicants will receive consideration will remain open until filled. Questions ably consider an individual’s record research and external funding. for employment and will not be dis- can be directed to. Lauren Nelson at working with students and colleagues Required: M.S. or Ph.D. in geology or criminated against on the basis of gen- [email protected] with broadly diverse perspectives, related field, at least 4 years of experi- der, race/ethnicity, protected veteran Stanford University is an equal experiences, and backgrounds in edu- ence in major and trace element anal- status, disability, or other protected opportunity employer and is commit- cational, research or other work activi- ysis of geologic materials by plasma group status. ted to increasing the diversity of its ties. We will also favorably consider techniques at the time of the appoint- faculty. It welcomes nominations of experience overcoming or helping oth- ment, and proven experience in suc- Tenure-track Faculty Position in and applications from women, mem- ers overcome barriers to an academic cessful training and supervision of Mantle Processes bers of minority groups, protected degree and career. geochemistry lab users. Desired: The Department of Geological Sci- veterans and individuals with disabili- experience in powder XRD and HPLC ences seeks an outstanding scientist ties, as well as from others who would Environmental Chemistry Faculty analysis; expertise in laboratory tech- to lead a vibrant research program in bring additional dimensions to the Position - University of Montana nique development, computer pro- the broadly defined area of Mantle university’s research and teaching The Department of Chemistry and gramming and electrical and mechan- Processes. Specific areas of interest missions. Biochemistry at the University of ical abilities. Submit cover letter, vita include (but are not limited to) the Montana - Missoula invites applica- and unofficial copy of transcripts to: composition, structure, and evolution University of Tennessee, Knoxville tions for a tenure-track faculty posi- https://miamioh.hiretouch.com/ of our planet over varying length and Faculty position in planetary petrol- tion in Environmental Chemistry at jobdetails? jobID=1868. Arrange to time scales. We are particularly inter- ogy/mineralogy/geochemistry the Assistant Professor level to begin have three (3) letters of recommenda- ested in those who seek to make con- The Department of Earth & Plane- August 2016. We welcome applications tion sent to GeochemistrySearch@ nections between deep and shallow tary Sciences at The University of Ten- from scientists with expertise in any miamioh.edu. Screening of applica- processes (examples include how the nessee seeks to fill a faculty position in area of environmental chemistry. tions will begin January 15, 2016 and dynamically flowing and recirculating petrology/mineralogy/geochemistry Postdoctoral experience is required. continue until the position is filled. mantle interacts with its crust, hydro- with emphasis in planetary geoscience. The successful candidate will be Miami University, an EO/AA employer sphere, and atmosphere). Research The position is for an open-rank (ten- expected to teach general, analytical encourages applications from minori- approaches should encompass some ure-track or tenured); we would prefer or environmental chemistry courses at ties, women, protected veterans and combination of field, laboratory, and to select a candidate at the Associate or the undergraduate and graduate level. individuals with disabilities. Miami modeling. The appointment will pref- Full Professor level, but welcome We are a small Ph.D. granting depart- does not permit, and takes action to erably be at the junior level (Assistant applications for Assistant Professor. ment with 15 tenure-line faculty and prevent, harassment, discrimination or untenured Associate Professor), but The position begins August 1, 2016. The ~25 graduate students with a strong and retaliation. Requests for reason- applications from scientists at all University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a extramural research program. Excel- able accommodations for disabilities career levels will be considered. The Research I University and the flagship lence in research and undergraduate should be directed to Ms. Mary Jane successful applicant will be expected campus of the UT system. The Depart- and graduate education are expected. Leveline at (513) 529-2027. Annual to develop a world-class independent ment (http://eps.utk.edu) focuses on See http://hsweb.hs.umt.edu/chemistry/ Security and Fire Safety program of research, interface where geology and has an active emphasis on default.php for more information Report may be found at: http://www. appropriate with existing programs in planetary research through its Plane- about the Department and University. MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual the Geological Sciences and in the tary Geosciences Institute (http://web. UM, the College of Humanities and -report/index.html. School of Earth, Energy, and Environ- utk.edu/~pgi). Requirements for the Sciences, and the Department Criminal background check required. mental Sciences, and teach at the position are: Ph.D. in geology or a embrace diversity as a core value. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco- undergraduate and graduate level. related field, and demonstrated Applications from persons with free. Applications should include a cover research experience in planetary geo- diverse backgrounds are especially letter, curriculum vita, a statement of science. welcome. Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in research and teaching interests, three The successful candidate is expected Screening of applications will begin Geochemistry, Cosmochemistry, and recently-published representative to conduct a robust, funded program of on November 15, 2015 and will con- Astrobiology papers, and the names and email planetary research, mentor graduate tinue until the position is filled. Carnegie Institution, Department of Applicants are required to submit all Terrestrial Magnetism, Washington, application materials, including a let- DC ter of intent, full CV, a summary of Openings are available beginning research plans, a statement of teach- Fall 2016 for postdoctoral fellowships ing philosophy and three letters of in the fields of geochemistry, cosmo- recommendation to: http://bit. chemistry, and astrobiology that pro- ly/1367chem. Inquiries should be vide support for creative independent directed to the Department at: research of the applicant’s choosing. [email protected] The Uni- Details on DTM research staff, labora- versity of Montana is an ADA/EOE/AA/ tory facilities, and ongoing research Veteran’s Preference Employer. can be found at dtm.carnegiescience. edu. Fellowships are for one year and Geochemistry Lab Manager are normally renewable for a second The Department of Geology and Envi- year. ronmental Earth Science at Miami Applications should be submitted University invites applications for a online at https://jobs.carnegiescience. Geochemistry Lab Manager. The Lab edu/jobs/dtm and should include a cur- Manager will be expected to manage riculum vitae and list of publications, new trace metal geochemistry and description of thesis research, a short ICP-OES labs, and to share responsi- (2-3 page) statement of research plans bility for ICP-MS, HPLC and powder for the fellowship period, and three XRD labs. Duties will include training letters of recommendation by those and supervision of lab users, labora- familiar with your work. Submission tory maintenance, data quality assur- details are available when you click on ance, assistance in teaching “Apply Now.” Creativity in the pro-

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students, effectively teach courses in pregnancy, marital status, sexual ori- Responsibilities will include devel- Socorro, New Mexico 87801. College petrology and/or mineralogy at the entation, gender identity, age, physical oping an active program of extramu- transcripts will be required if selected undergraduate and graduate levels, and or mental disability, or covered veteran rally funded research, supervising and to interview. Review of application collaborate in department research status. supporting graduate students, and material will begin on October 1, 2015. dealing with petrology, mineralogy, teaching two graduate or undergradu- The search will remain open until the geochemistry, and solar system explo- Hydrology ate courses per year. position is filled. Email applications ration. Salary and benefits are compet- The successful candidates will join a are not accepted. New Mexico Tech is itive and commensurate with experi- Assistant Professor of Hydrology - group of five hydrologists including an equal opportunity/affirmative ence. The Knoxville campus of the New Mexico Tech four full-time hydrology faculty, two action employer. University of Tennessee is seeking The Department of Earth and Envi- emeritus faculty, eight adjunct faculty, candidates who have the ability to con- ronmental Science at New Mexico and 25 graduate students. The Depart- TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PRO- tribute in meaningful ways to the Institute of Mining and Technology ment of Earth and Environmental Sci- FESSOR: HYDROGEOLOGY CALIFOR- diversity and intercultural goals of the (NMT) invites applications for a ten- ence has 16 faculty and about 50 NIA STATE UNIVERSITY University. ure-track Assistant Professor position undergraduate and 65 graduate stu- NORTHRIDGE To apply, please email the following in the Hydrology Program. This will be dents. NMT is the academic partner of The Department of Geological Sci- to [email protected]: C.V., cover let- a joint appointment between Academic the National Cave and Karst Research ences at California State University, ter describing research and teaching Affairs and the Geophysical Research Institute (NCKRI), based in Carlsbad, Northridge invites applications for a experience and plans, and names of 4 Center. NM. Additional geoscience profes- full-time tenure-track faculty posi- references with contact information. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in sionals on campus include over 30 tion at the level of Assistant Professor Applications received by December 15, Earth Science, Civil Engineering, staff members of the New Mexico in hydrogeology. We offer B.S. and 2015 are ensured review, but earlier Environmental Engineering, or a Bureau of Geology and Mineral M.S. degrees in Geology and in Geo- submission is encouraged. The position related field at the time of appoint- Resources, plus faculty and research- physics. The successful candidate will remain open until filled. Questions ment. We seek candidates with a spe- ers in the Petroleum Recovery must have a Ph.D. at the time of about the position should be directed cialty in vadose-zone hydrology. Research Center, the Petroleum and appointment. Experience in post- to H. McSween. Candidates with additional expertise Mineral Engineering departments and doctoral research and/or Universi- The University of Tennessee is an in hydrologic remote sensing, the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center. ty-level lecture instruction is desir- EEO/AA/Title VI/Section 504/ADA/ land-surface/atmosphere interaction, For detailed inquiries, contact search able. We seek an innovative ADEA institution in the provision of its and land-surface dynamics will committee chair, Mark Person hydrogeologist with technical exper- education and employment programs receive preference. Potential for ([email protected]). tise in one or more of the following and services. All qualified applicants excellence in teaching and research Applicants should submit a letter of fields: subsurface measurement and will receive equal consideration for are the most important qualifications. interest, resume, a statement of modeling of groundwater flow, reac- employment without regard to race, Women and underrepresented teaching and research interests, one tive transport modeling, or remote color, national origin, religion, sex, minorities are encouraged to apply. representative publication and the and/or geophysical sensing of ground- names of three references to Hydrol- water. Research areas may include, ogy Search, Box 136, Human but are not limited to, local and Resources, New Mexico Institute of regional-scale groundwater dynamics Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Pl., and groundwater quality; the impact

40 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

of climate change on groundwater University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff surge modeling techniques to explore identified. Applicants should apply recharge, storage and use; water injec- Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8266. future projections. Research is online to http://jobs.princeton.edu, tion and/or withdrawal and induced Review of applications will begin 1 needed to better understand how Requisition #1500773. seismicity; or groundwater transport January 2016. Priority will be given to surge risk is likely to change due to This position is subject to the Uni- of contaminants. We particularly seek applications received by this date, but influences of changes in sea level, versity’s background check policy. candidates who both complement our the position remains open until filled. with a particular emphasis on Princeton University is an equal oppor- current research program and inte- For additional information, see http:// improved understanding of projected tunity employer and all qualified appli- grate across sedimentology, stratigra- www.csun.edu/geology. The Univer- changes in hurricane climate (tracks, cants will receive consideration for phy and geophysics. The successful sity is an EO/AA employer. intensity, storm structure, etc.) that employment without regard to race, candidate is expected to develop a vig- can affect storm surge risk. Scientifi- color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, orous research program, which Ocean Sciences cally sound information on these gender identity, disability status, pro- includes seeking extramural funding, issues, including assessments of tected veteran status, or any other publishing peer-reviewed papers, and Research Position: Modeling US remaining uncertainties, are urgently characteristic protected by law. involving undergraduate and M.S. stu- landfalling hurricane and storm needed to help inform decision-mak- dents. Furthermore, the successful surge risk under global warming ing for risk management, adaption, Solid Earth Geophysics candidate is expected to demonstrate conditions and policy responses. teaching excellence and provide effec- The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sci- Candidates with strong quantitative John W. Miles Postdoctoral Fellow- tive instruction to students of diverse ences Program at Princeton University and analytical backgrounds in atmo- ship In Theoretical And Computa- backgrounds in a multicultural set- in cooperation with NOAA’s Geophys- spheric science, including dynamical tional Geophysics ting. Potential classes to be taught by ical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) modeling and the analysis of large The Institute of Geophysics and Plan- the new hire include: a new under- seeks a postdoctoral research associ- data sets and/or model output, are etary Physics (IGPP) at Scripps Institu- graduate core course in Earth Systems, ate or more senior scientist to explore particularly encouraged to apply. tion of Oceanography has opening for general education courses in water U.S. landfalling hurricanes and their This is a full-time, one year position the John W. Miles Postdoctoral Fellow- resources and environmental geology associated storm surge risk under (subject to renewal after the first year ship in Theoretical and Computational and elective offerings at the upper-di- present-day and future warm-climate contingent upon satisfactory perfor- Geophysics in 2016. Funding from the vision and/or graduate level in the conditions. As part of a new NSF mance) based at GFDL in Princeton, Green Foundation for Earth Sciences is candidate’s research specialty. funded project, the researcher will New Jersey. Interested candidates may available to fully support a postdoctoral Applicants should submit a cover collaborate with an interdisciplinary contact Thomas Knutson (Tom. position in the broad areas of computa- letter, CV, the names and full contact team of scientists from GFDL/NOAA, [email protected]) or Gabriel Vecchi tional and theoretical geophysics. Appli- information for three references, Princeton University, and MIT to ([email protected]) for fur- cants are encouraged to contact poten- statement of teaching philosophy and investigate how various aspects of ther information. Complete applica- tial mentors at IGPP prior to the experience, and statement of research projected 21st century climate change tions, including a CV, publication list, application deadline. The position is interests. Electronic submissions are may alter storm surge risk for the 3 letters of recommendation, and a available for one year for applicants <5 strongly encouraged and should be mainland U.S. coast. The incumbent one-to-two page statement of yr from PhD degree, and is renewable for sent to: geology.hydro.search@csun. will use dynamical hurricane modeling research interests should be submit- a second year subject to satisfactory per- edu. Materials can also be sent to: frameworks developed at GFDL, ted by November 15, 2015 for full con- formance and availability of funds. Sal- Hydro Search Committee, Department including the GFDL hurricane model, sideration, though evaluation will be ary starts at $60,000/yr plus benefits of Geological Sciences, California State together along with established storm ongoing until a suitable candidate is and depends on experience.

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Applications including a statement Affiliated with the College of Sci- of research interests (1-2 pages), dis- ences at NC State, MEAS is one of the sertation abstract (1 page), curriculum largest interdisciplinary geoscience vitae with publications, and contact departments in the nation. Opportuni- information for two recommendation ties exist for disciplinary and interdis- letter writers should be submitted ciplinary interactions with more than online at http://igpp.ucsd.edu/ 30 marine,earth, and atmospheric sci- greenfoundation/application. entists. Additional information about Review of applications will begin on the department and its facilities can be November 12, 2015. Please address found on the web page: http://www. questions to Donna Blackman, Green meas.ncsu.edu. Foundation Secretary dblackman@ Review of applications will begin on ucsd.edu. 15 November 2015; the position will Internet/Unlimited Text: “UC San remain open until filled. Applications, Diego is a Equal Employment Opportu- including cover letters, curriculum nity (EEO) employer and welcomes all vitae, teaching and research state- qualified applicants. Applicants will ments, and contact information for receive fair and impartial consideration three references must be submitted without regard to race, sex, color, reli- online at http://jobs.ncsu.edu/ gion, national origin, age, disability, postings/57829 veteran status, genetic data, or other Founded in 1887, NC State is a land- legally protected status.” grant institution distinguished by its Print/Limited Text: “EOE/Minority/ exceptional quality of research, teach- Female/Disability Vets.” ing, extension, and public service. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC Position Announcement State is the largest university in North Department of Marine,Earth, and Carolina, with more than 34,000 stu- Atmospheric Sciences dents and 8,000 faculty and staff. Assistant/Associate Professor- Sed- National rankings consistently rate imentary Basin Analysis Raleigh and its surrounding region The Department of Marine, Earth, among the five best places in the and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) at country to live and work, with a highly North Carolina State University (NC educated workforce, moderate State) intends to fill a junior (Assistant weather, reasonable cost of living,and I Associate Professor) tenure-track a welcoming environment. A collabo- faculty position in sedimentary basin rative, supportive environment for analysis. Possible research areas business and innovation and research include,but are not limited to, the rela- collaborations with area universities tionship of basin evolution to mantle and the Research Triangle Park are processes,linkages of stratigraphy to compelling reasons for relocation to landscape evolution as a function of the area. NC State is an equal opportu- tectonics, climate, and sea- level nity and affirmative action employer. change, the prediction of sub-surface All qualified applicants will receive porosity and permeability to model the consideration for employment with- movement of water and hydrocarbons, out regard to race,color, national ori- and the use of stratigraphy in gin, religion, sex,sexual orienta- paleo-environmental and paleo-bio- tion,age, veteran status,or disability. logical studies. The starting date for Applications from women, minorities, this position is 15 August 2016. Candi- and persons with disabilities are dates that combine surface and/or sub- encouraged. surface observations with numerical simulations, analogue models, or labo- Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in ratory experiments to investigate the Geophysics, Volcanology, Planetary geologic history of sedimentary basins Science are preferred, and applicants should Carnegie Institution, Department of have a strong interest in interdisciplin- Terrestrial Magnetism, Washington, ary collaborations across and beyond DC the geosciences. Openings are available beginning Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree Fall 2016 for postdoctoral fellowships in the geosciences or a related field. in the fields of terrestrial or planetary Postdoctoral experience is preferred, geophysics and volcanology. These fel- but not required. The successful candi- lowships provide salary, travel, and date must demonstrate strong poten- research support for creative indepen- tial for outstanding accomplishments dent research of the applicant’s choos- in research, research supervision, and ing. Details on DTM research staff, lab- teaching. The successful applicant will oratory facilities, and ongoing research be expected to teach an undergradu- can be found at dtm.carnegiescience. ate-level course in stratigraphy, as well edu. Fellowships are for one year and as other undergraduate and graduate are normally renewable for a second classes commensurate with the candi- year. date’s interest and expertise. An Applications should be submitted interest in participating in the Depart- online at https://jobs.carnegiescience. ment’s capstone undergraduate geol- edu/jobs/dtm and should include a cur- ogy field course also is desirable. MEAS riculum vitae and bibliography, places a high value on excellent description of thesis research, and a instruction and the use of innovative short (2-3 page) statement of research teaching methods. plans for the fellowship period. Appli-

42 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

cants are also encouraged to contact a of computational plasma physics areas, The Department of Geosciences and and Development Center. Interested current staff member to discuss including fundamental plasma physics, Geological and Petroleum Engineering applicants should submit a cover let- research plans. Creativity in the pro- geospace, solar, heliospheric and astro- invites applications for a full-time ter, a current curriculum vitae, a posed research figures heavily in the physical plasma physics, plasma fusion, tenure-track faculty position in Geol- statement of research and teaching evaluation of the application. Three and plasma device modeling. Candi- ogy and Geophysics at the Assistant interests and experience, and com- letters of recommendation by those dates are sought who combine an out- Professor level in petroleum geology plete contact information for four ref- familiar with your work should also be standing research record with a strong with expertise in carbonate reservoirs erences electronically to the Missouri submitted online. Submission details commitment to undergraduate and and basin analysis to begin in August, University of Science and Technolo- are available when you click on “Apply graduate teaching and mentoring. The 2016. Review of applications will begin gy’s Human Resource Office at http:// Now.” Review of the applications will successful candidate is expected to in November and continue until the hr.mst.edu/careers/academic/. Appli- begin on December 1, 2015. Please complement and expand existing theo- search is completed. The successful cants should ask for Position Number email any questions you have to retical and experimental efforts; please candidate will be expected to develop 00031149 to be included on each refer- [email protected]. Carnegie visit physics.dartmouth.edu for addi- an externally-funded research pro- ence sent directly to the chair of the Institution is an Equal Opportunity tional information. Application material gram integrated with excellence in search committee, Dr. Wan Yang Employer. All qualified applicants will (including: cover letter; current CV with teaching at both the graduate and ([email protected]). The final candi- receive consideration for employment publication record; statement of undergraduate levels with a commit- date is required to provide copies of and will not be discriminated against research interests and plans; statement ment to interdisciplinary work. official transcript(s) for any college on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, of teaching interests; complete contact Teaching responsibilities will include degree(s) listed in application materi- protected veteran status, disability, or information of at least three profes- courses as part of degree requirements als submitted, prior to the start of other protected group status. sional references) should be submitted as well as in the candidate’s area of employment. In addition, the final electronically to apply.interfolio. expertise. The Department currently candidate may be required to verify Space Physics com/31594. Application review will has 20 full-time faculty, and 371 other credentials listed in application begin on January 11, 2016, and continue undergraduate and 309 graduate materials. Failure to do so may result TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PRO- until the position is filled. Dartmouth degree-seeking students with estab- in the withdrawal of the job offer. All FESSOR FACULTY POSITION IN THE- College is an equal opportunity/affir- lished B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs job offers are contingent upon suc- ORETICALAND COMPUTATIONAL mative action employer with a strong in Geology & Geophysics, Petroleum cessful completion of a criminal back- PLASMA PHYSICS Department of commitment to diversity. In that spirit, Engineering, and Geological Engineer- ground check. The University of Mis- Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth we are particularly interested in receiving. Closely associated departments souri is an equal access, equal College ing applications from a broad spectrum include Environmental Engineering opportunity, affirmative action Applications are invited for a faculty of people, including women, minorities, and Mining Engineering. Local area employer that is fully committed to position in Theoretical and Computa- individuals with disabilities, veterans or establishments with active research achieving a diverse faculty and staff. tional Plasma Physics, with a preferred any other legally protected group. include the U.S. Geological Survey Equal Opportunity is and shall be pro- starting date of Fall 2016. Consideration (Mid-continent Geospatial Mapping vided for all employees and applicants will be given to applicants at the assis- Interdisciplinary/Other Center), Missouri Department of Nat- for employment on the basis of their tant professor level, as well as to more ural Resources, Fort Leonard Wood, demonstrated ability and competence senior exceptionally qualified candi- Assistant Professor of Geology and the Missouri S&T Rock Mechanics and without unlawful discrimination on dates for appointment at higher ranks. Geophysics Missouri University of Explosives Research Center, Materials the basis of their race, color, national We are interested in a broad spectrum Science and Technology Research Center, and Energy Research origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 43 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

orientation, gender identity, gender information of at least three references expression, age, genetic information, to the Binghamton University Inter- disability, or protected veteran status. view Exchange site at http:// binghamton.interviewexchange.com. CLIMATOLOGY OR GEOHYDROLOGY For further information about the AT BINGHAMTON UNIVERISTY department, visit the Geological Sci- Binghamton University will make ences and Environmental Studies web- one tenure-track appointment in the site (www.geology.binghamton.edu). area of climatology or geohydrology Climatology candidates may contact starting Fall, 2016. We seek a geosci- Professor Tim Lowenstein (lowenst@ entist who uses some combination of binghamton.edu) whereas geohydrol- field measurements, observations and ogy candidates may contact Professor modeling. Appointments are planned Bob Demicco (demicco@binghamton. at the assistant professor level, how- edu). ever exceptionally qualified applicants This position is affiliated with the may be considered for a higher level Sustainable Communities Area, one of appointment. five Transdisciplinary Areas of Excel- In the area of climatology we are lence (TAEs) that Binghamton Univer- seeking a geoscientist studying glob- sity has identified for growth under al-scale energy exchange within the the auspices of the SUNY2020 plan. Earth System. Possible research areas The successful candidate will contrib- might include: (1) past, present and ute to the development of this TAE as future climate change; (2) understand- an area of intensive research and ing modern climate systems to inter- teaching. The search committee will pret paleoclimate archives preserved in include members of the Sustainable ice and sediments, and to predict Communities TAE steering commit- future climate changes; (3) the dynam- tee. For more information on the TAEs ics of sea-level changes as ice sheets [and SUNY2020], go to http://www. respond to changing energy levels in binghamton.edu/tae/. Women and the atmosphere and oceans; (4) impact minorities are encouraged to apply. of climate variations on renewable Binghamton University is an equal energy resources; and (5) impacts of opportunity/affirmative action climate change on ecosystems and employer. The position will remain human health. Geoscientists with open until filled. The review of appli- other research areas in the broad field cations will begin on November 30, of climatology are also encouraged to 2015. apply. In the area of geohydrology we are Lecturer Faculty Position Geosci- seeking a geoscientist studying physi- ence cal, chemical or biological processes The Department of Geology and involving surface water or groundwa- Environmental Earth Science at ter. Possible research areas might Miami University invites applications include: (1) chemical evolution or for a full-time Lecturer faculty posi- recent contamination of Earth’s sur- tion on the Oxford campus, beginning face and subsurface water; (2) flow and August 2016. The Lecturer will teach transport modeling in granular or frac- undergraduate courses, including tured media; (3) microbial processes foundation courses in physical and and their effect on solute transport; environmental geology, as well as and (4) hydrogeology of energy intermediate level courses; advise resources. Geoscientists with other undergraduate students; provide pro- research areas in the broad field of fessional service to the department geohydrology are also encouraged to and university. Required: M.S. in geo- apply. science by date of appointment and The successful candidate must documented teaching experience. develop and sustain a nationally-rec- Desired: Ph.D. in geoscience with ognized, externally-funded research interest in contributing to supervi- program in their area. We also expect sion of undergraduate student the candidate to develop a strong research and field-based experiences. record of teaching and mentoring stu- Submit cover letter, vitae, statement dents and to teach undergraduate of teaching philosophy and experi- courses and advanced undergraduate/ ence, unofficial copy of transcripts, graduate level courses in their area of and names of three (3) referees to expertise. We are seeking candidates https://miamioh.hiretouch.com/ who will strengthen our existing job-details?jobID=1874. Letters of research programs in geochemistry, reference will be requested upon sedimentary geology, or Earth surface receipt of application. Inquiries can processes, and who will seek to interact be directed to Cathy Edwards at with geologists, environmental scien- [email protected]. Review of tists, chemists, physicists and engi- applications will begin on January 15, neers on the Binghamton University 2016 and continue until position is campus. Candidates must have a filled. Miami University, an EO/AA Ph.D. with a focus in either of these employer encourages applications fields at the time of appointment. from minorities, women, protected Interested candidates should submit a veterans and individuals with disabil- letter of application, curriculum vitae, ities. Miami does not permit, and statements of research and teaching takes action to prevent, harassment, interests, and names and contact discrimination and retaliation.

44 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Requests for reasonable accommoda- undergraduate courses in surface pro- tions for disabilities should be cesses and field methods, and graduate directed to Ms. Mary Jane Leveline at courses in the candidate’s area of (513) 529-2027. Annual Security and expertise. We seek an individual who Fire Safety Report may be found at: values collaboration, field-based http://www.MiamiOH.edu/ research, teaching, and collegiality. A campus-safety/annual-report/index. PhD in earth science or a related field is html. Criminal background check required at the time of appointment. Professor or Assistant required. All campuses are smoke- Post doctoral experience is highly and tobacco-free. desirable. Professor (Tenure Track) of Department programs include Marshall-Heape Chair in Geology undergraduate degrees in environmen- Climate Geology The Department of Earth and Envi- tal science, environmental studies, ronmental Sciences at Tulane Univer- geology, geophysics, and meteorology. sity invites applications for the newly The department grants MS and PhD → The Department of Earth Sciences (www.erdw.ethz.ch) established Marshall-Heape Chair in degrees in geoscience (with concen- at ETH Zurich invites applications for the above- Geology. We seek a scholar with an trations in geology, geophysics, and outstanding international reputation environmental geoscience) as well as mentioned position at the full, associate or assistant who will be appointed at the Full Pro- in meteorology. Faculty may also par- professor level. fessor level with tenure. We particu- ticipate in the interdepartmental Inte- larly seek a broad-based Earth scien- grated and Applied Sciences PhD pro- tist who complements current faculty gram. For more details, visit the EAS → The successful candidate is a leading scientist in- expertise and offers potential for col- website (www.slu.edu/x35834.xml). vestigating climates of the geological past. He or she is laborative research. The Mar- Outside of the department, there is shall-Heape Chair is expected to lead opportunity for collaboration with expected to build a vigorous research program aimed at a widely recognized, externally other university departments and understanding climate and climate changes on times- funded research program that will units including the Center for Sus- attract PhD-level graduate students tainability (http://www.slu.edu/ cales from millennia to geological epochs, using geolog- and postdoctoral scholars of the sustainability) and the Parks College ical or geochemical approaches and modern analytical highest caliber. Teaching duties are of Engineering, Aviation and Technol- both at the graduate and undergradu- ogy (http://parks.slu.edu/). Additional techniques. The research program may, for example, ate levels. For full consideration, information can be found at www.slu. focus on the coupling between climate and terrestrial applications should be received by edu. January 10, 2016, but the position will All applications must be made and oceanic systems, the development and exploitation remain open until filled. Applications online at https://jobs.slu.edu and of climate proxies from the marine sediment record, should include a curriculum vitae, must include a cover letter, curriculum research and teaching statements vitae, a two-page statement of teach- or climate changes during mass extinction events. that articulate how the mission of the ing, research, and professional goals, Ideally, the future professor would complement existing department would be enhanced, and and the names and complete contact the names and contact information of information of at least four references. strengths in the geosciences and climate sciences at at least three references. Applications Review of applications will begin 1 ETH Zurich. The teaching portfolio is expected to include must be submitted electronically via November and will continue until the the following link: apply.interfolio. position is filled. Inquiries may be sent undergraduate classes in Earth system sciences, sedi- com/31900. Any inquiries may be to [email protected]. mentology and participation in our field program; more directed to Dr. Torbjörn Törnqvist, Saint Louis University is an Affir- Department of Earth and Environ- mative Action, Equal Opportunity advanced graduate classes may cover aspects of Earth’s mental Sciences, Tulane University, Employer (AA/EOE), and encourages climate, Earth history, and the use of proxies for infer- 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, nomination and application of women LA 70118-5698 ([email protected]). and minorities ences about past climates. The new professor will be Further information about the expected to teach undergraduate level courses (German department and university can be The O.K. Earl Postdoctoral Fellow- obtained at http://tulane.edu/sse/ ship and the Texaco Postdoctoral or English) and graduate level courses (English). eens. Tulane University is an EEO/ Fellowship ADA/AA employe The California Institute of Technol- → An assistant professorship promotes the careers ogy announces two one-year fellow- TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION ships in Geological and Planetary Sci- of younger scientists. The initial appointment is for four - ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPART- ences beginning with the 2016-17 Fall years with the possibility of renewal for an additional MENT OF EARTH AND ATMO- term. The O.K. Earl and Texaco Post- SPHERIC SCIENCES, SAINT LOUIS doctoral Fellowships are awards three-year period and promotion to a permanent UNIVERSITY funded by endowments from Orrin K. position. Saint Louis University, a Catholic, Earl, Jr. and the Texaco Philanthropic Jesuit institution dedicated to student Foundation. Each fellowship carries learning, research, health care, and an annual stipend of $62,000 plus a → Details regarding the application procedure and service invites applications for a ten- research expense fund of $5,000, and ure-track faculty position in Geosci- one-way travel costs to Pasadena. required documents can be found at www.erdw.ethz.ch/ ence at the Assistant Professor level in Completion of the Ph.D. is required. en/department/jobs/professorships. Please submit your the Department of Earth and Atmo- Fellows are eligible to participate in spheric Sciences (EAS), to begin in Caltech’s health and dental program. application addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, August, 2016. For fellowship details and to apply Prof. Dr. Lino Guzzella online at www.facultyaffairs. We seek applicants with expertise in online, please visit: https:// ethz.ch. ETH Zurich is an equal opportunity and family geomorphology in any of the following applications.caltech.edu/job/gpspd areas: rivers and streams, floodplains, Materials in support of an applica- friendly employer and is further responsive to the or hillslopes. Faculty responsibilities tion should include curriculum vitae, needs of dual career couples. We specifically encourage include a balance of research, teaching, list of publications, a one-page state- service, and the mentoring of under- ment of research interests, and three women to apply. graduate and graduate students. letters of reference. Applications and Teaching responsibilities include references are due by December 1, 2015.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 45 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

EOE of Minorities/Females/Pro- Dallas TX 75275 teaching interests in climate dynamics faculty and student body and compli- tected Vets/Disability Applicants should include curricu- over human-relevant time scales with ance with the American with Disabili- The Roy M. Huffington Department lum vitae, statements of research and focus on understanding mechanisms ties Act. We encourage applications of Earth Sciences at SMU announces a teaching interests, and contact infor- of natural climate variability and/or from minorities, women, veterans, search to fill a named tenure-track or mation for three references. To insure anthropogenic climate change on and persons with disabilities. Texas tenured professorship (the rank is full consideration applications must be decadal to multi-centennial time A&M University also has a policy of open) honoring WB Hamilton. received by December 5, 2015, but the scales. An being responsive to the needs of We solicit nominations and applica- committee will continue to accept EO/AA Employer. For more infor- dual-career partners. tions from earth scientists who main- applications until the position is filled. mation and to apply: at https://recruit. tain vigorous and sustainable research The committee will notify applicants of ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00559 Visiting Instructor / Visiting Assis- programs and who have a commitment its employment decisions after the tant Professor Hydrogeology to full participation in the educational position is filled. Visiting Assistant or Associate Pro- The Department of Geology and mission of the department to provide Southern Methodist University will fessor in Petrology and Mineralogy, Environmental Earth Science at Miami professional training in a liberal arts not discriminate in any program or Texas A&M University, Department University invites applications for a environment. As the fourth holder of activity on the basis of race, color, reli- of Geology and Geophysics temporary, full-time faculty position the chair established in 1921, the suc- gion, national origin, sex, age, disabil- The Department of Geology and on the Oxford campus, beginning cessful candidate will extend existing ity, genetic information, veteran sta- Geophysics at Texas A&M University August 2016. This is a nine-month departmental strengths in earth sci- tus, sexual orientation, or gender invites applications for a full-time, (two academic semester) appointment ence. The department’s focus is on identity and expression. The Executive non-tenure track position at the rank that may be renewed for up to four pure research to understand Earth his- Director for Access and Equity/Title IX of Visiting Assistant or Associate Pro- years pending funding availability and tory and geologic processes with Coordinator is designated to handle fessor to teach courses in Petrology, satisfactory performance. The primary applied research on problems in the inquiries regarding nondiscrimination Mineralogy, and Mineral Resources. responsibility of this position is national interest such as climate and policies and may be reached at the Per- The position is a nine-month appoint- teaching, including foundation environmental change, earthquake kins Administration Building, Room ment beginning January 1, 2016 contin- courses in physical and environmental seismology including induced seismic- 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, gently renewable for up to three years. geology, and intermediate and upper ity, natural hazards, nuclear test ban 214-768-3601, [email protected]. Responsibilities consist of teaching at level courses such as Water & Society monitoring and resources including Hiring is contingent upon the satis- least four courses per academic year in and Hydrogeology. An M.S. in geology geothermal energy. The expected start factory completion of a background some combination of Mineralogy, or a related field is required for date is August 1, 2016. check. Petrology, and/or Mineral Resources. appointment as Instructor; a Ph.D. is Applications can be submitted elec- The department will support the suc- preferred and is required for appoint- tronically to [email protected] or in UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA cessful candidate’s pursuit of indepen- ment as a Visiting Assistant Professor. writing to: BARBARA, dent research and development of a Submit cover letter, vitae, statement Professor John Walther The Earth Research Institute invites professional academic portfolio, with of teaching philosophy and experi- Search Committee Chair, Depart- applications for a tenure-track faculty the opportunity to collaborate with ence, unofficial copy of transcripts, ment of Earth Sciences, position in Climate Dynamics at the students and colleagues in the College and 3 letters to reference to https:// Southern Methodist University, P.O. Assistant Professor level. Candidates of Geosciences, including the Berg- miamioh.hiretouch.com/job- Box 0395 must have primary research and Hughes Center for Sedimentary and details?jobID=1862. Inquiries can be Petroleum Systems, the Center for Tec- directed to Cathy tonophysics and the Deep Crust and Edwards at edwardca@miamioh. Mantle Group. For more information edu. Review of applications will begin about TAMU, the College of Geosci- on January 15, 2016 and continue until ences and the Department of Geology position is filled. Miami University, an and Geophysics, see http://geoweb. EO/AA employer encourages applica- tamu.edu/ tions from minorities, women, pro- A PhD with specialization in miner- tected veterans and individuals with alogy or petrology at the time of disabilities. Miami does not permit, appointment is required, but ABD and takes action to prevent, harass- candidates also will be considered. ment, discrimination and retaliation. Interested candidates should submit Requests for reasonable accommoda- electronic versions of a curriculum tions for disabilities should be directed vita, statement of research interests to Ms. Mary Jane Leveline at (513) 529- and teaching philosophy, the names 2027. Annual Security and Fire Safety and email addresses of at least three Report may be found at: http://www. references, and up to four reprints by MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/ email attachments, to the Chair of the annual-report/index.html. Criminal Mineralogy/Petrology Search Commit- background check required. All cam- tee ([email protected]). puses are smoke- and tobacco-free. Screening of applications will begin November 1, 2015 and continue until a West Virginia University, Depart- suitable candidate is appointed. The ment of Geology & Geography: Department of Geology and Geophys- Three Assistant Professor Positions ics is part of the College of Geosci- The Department of Geology and ences, which also includes the Depart- Geography at West Virginia University ments of Atmospheric Sciences, seeks to fill three geology faculty posi- Geography, and Oceanography, Sea tions. Applicants should have a PhD or Grant, the Geochemical and Environ- equivalent degree in geology, earth mental Research Group (GERG), and science or related field by the start the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program date. Review of applications for all (IODP). Texas A&M University, a positions will begin January 15, 2016 land-, sea-, and space-grant univer- and continue until each position is sity is located in a metropolitan area filled; start date for all positions is with a dynamic and international August 15, 2016. community of 172,000 people. Texas Paleobiology: We seek to hire a full- A&M University is an affirmative time (9-month), tenure-track Assis- action/equal opportunity employer tant Professor specializing in Paleobi- committed to excellence through the ology, which could include expertise in recruitment and retention of a diverse Invertebrate or Vertebrate Paleontol-

46 // Eos 1 November 2015 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

ogy, Micropaleontology, Paleoecol- room and online, and the field com- Graduate Assistantships in Environ- ronmental Science at the University ogy, Paleobotany/Palynology, Ichnol- ponent of the B.S. capstone course, mental Chemistry/ State University of Pennsylvania. ogy, or related fields. The successful Geology Field Camp (the last with an of New York-Environmental Science We seek an individual with experi- candidate will be expected to develop additional summer stipend). Spe- and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). ence in studying impact-induced a vigorous externally-funded cialty area is open. Teaching Assis- The Department of Chemistry melting and deformation in rocks to research program, teach core under- tant Professors at WVU are eligible offers graduate assistantships to stu- investigate rock fulgurites, which graduate classes in paleontology, for promotion; however, promotion dents pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees result from lightning strikes. The suc- graduate courses in the area of his/ to senior ranks is not a requirement in environmental chemistry. cessful candidate will apply modeling, her expertise, and mentor graduate for institutional commitment and Research in the department spans a theoretical and/or experimental and undergraduate students. Candi- career stability. This position is a wide range, from field work to labora- approaches to understanding the for- dates should demonstrate potential nine-month renewable appointment tory work to computer modeling, and mation of fulgurites and associated to establish a strong external- (no maximum number of terms) and from global biogeochemical cycles to shock microstructures, and will work ly-funded research program, publish includes full benefits. The position ecosystems to air and water pollution. closely with mineralogists and geo- in peer-reviewed journals, and excel carries an 80% teaching (4 courses For more information, see http:// chemists in our department to inform in teaching at the undergraduate and per semester) and 20% service www.esf.edu/chemistry/ models and theory with microstruc- graduate levels. To apply, please visit assignment. The successful candidate tural observations. A key goal will be jobs.wvu.edu and navigate to the will join a faculty that takes great PhD Student Opportunity in Hydrol- to understand similarities and differ- position title listed above. Upload (1) pride in having members recognized ogy, Washington State University ences between shock-induced planar a single PDF file containing a curricu- at the university, state, and national Four year RA available for student deformation features in fulgurites and lum vitae, statement of research levels for excellence in teaching. The to work with an interdisciplinary team similar features in rocks deformed by interests, statement of teaching phi- Department occupies the recently to understand the interactions meteoric impacts or experimental losophy, and names, titles, and full renovated Brooks Hall with state-of- between drought, forest management, shock loads. contact information for 3 references; the-art teaching technologies and and wildfire on forest ecosystem resil- The position is available for one and (2) PDF files of up to 3 publica- facilities. To apply for this position, ience. Students experienced with year and may be renewable based on tions. In addition, arrange for 3 let- interested candidates should visit Linux/programming and/or ecohy- performance and the further availabil- ters of reference to be sent to jobs.wvu.edu and navigate to the drology will be competitive. The stu- ity of research funds. [email protected]. For position title listed above. Upload a dent will be co-advised by Jennifer Please send a letter of interest, CV, additional information, please see single PDF file containing a curricu- Adam (WSU} and Christina Tague and the names and contact informa- pages.geo.wvu.edu/Paleobiology or lum vitae, statement of teaching {UCSB}. Interested students should tion of 3 references to Prof. David contact the search chair, Amy Weis- interests and philosophy, teaching contact [email protected] for more Goldsby ([email protected]) or logel, at [email protected] evaluations as available, and full con- information. Fall semester applica- Prof. Reto Gieré ([email protected]. or (304) 293-6721. tact information for 3 references. In tions to WSU are due on 10 January for edu). Evaluation of applications will Quantitative Structural Geology or addition, please arrange for three let- priority consideration. begin immediately and continue until Geomechanics: We seek to hire a full- ters of reference to be sent directly to the position is filled. Penn is an affir- time (9-month), tenure-track Assis- [email protected]. For Postdoctoral Research Associate in mative action, equal opportunity tant Professor specializing in quanti- additional information, please see the Department of Earth and Envi- employer. tative structural geology with pages.geo.wvu.edu/GeologyTAP or interests in the study of fractured contact the search chair, Thomas reservoirs and geomechanics. The Kammer, at [email protected]. successful candidate will be expected edu or (304) 293-9663. to develop a vigorous external- WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action ly-funded research program, teach Employer and welcomes applications undergraduate classes in structural from all qualified individuals, includ- geology or geomechanics, teach grad- ing minorities, females, individuals uate courses in the area of his/her with disabilities, and veterans. For expertise, and mentor graduate and additional information about the undergraduate students. Candidates department visit www.geo.wvu.edu. should demonstrate potential to establish a strong externally-funded Student Opportunities research program, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and excel in EarthCube’s Visiting Scientist Pro- teaching at the undergraduate and gram offers up to $2000 each to sup- graduate levels. To apply, please visit port five graduate students and early jobs.wvu.edu and navigate to the career scientists for travel and related position title listed above. Upload (1) expenses incurred while incorporat- a single PDF file containing a curricu- ing EarthCube technologies and lum vitae, statement of research capabilities in their own research interests, statement of teaching phi- agendas. losophy, and names, titles, and full For more information or to apply contact information for 3 references; for funding, please go to: and (2) PDF files of up to 3 publica- http://earthcube.org/info/ tions. In addition, arrange for 3 let- visiting-scholar-program ters of reference to be sent to [email protected]. For Funded PhD opportunities in water additional information, please see resources at the Univ. of Idaho pages.geo.wvu.edu/Geomechanics or through the NSF’s IGERT program. contact the search chair, Dengliang Seeking applicants with backgrounds Gao, at [email protected] in hydrology, environmental science, or (304) 293-3310. ecohydraulics, fisheries science, water Teaching Assistant Professor of resources engineering, climate science, Geology: We seek to hire a full-time ecology, sociology, rural and commu- (9-month), non-tenure track Teach- nity economics, or public policy inter- ing Assistant Professor. The success- ested in integrating team-based sci- ful candidate will teach a variety of ence and applications. Contact Mary undergraduate courses, including Schierman, [email protected] for both large introductory and smaller more info. or www.uidaho.edu/igert. upper-division classes, in the class- Applications due Nov. 15, 2015.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 47 Postcards from the Field

Hello, everyone,

Dust storms are a real problem here in Southern Iceland, and the weather has been perfect for us to collect samples. It’s cold, dry, and windy. The wind blows across the vast expanses of black sand beaches, transporting dust as far as #Rey- javik, reducing the air quality. We are determining how much dust is transported, as well as the size of the particles, which is important for understanding impacts on human health. Here, you can see @TWMockford collecting samples from the Big Spring Number Eights (BSNEs). Want to know more about high latitude and cold climate dust? Check out the network’s page at http://www.hlccd .org.

Eleanor Darlington, Researcher at Loughborough University, UK @efdarlington

View more postcards at http://americangeophysicalunion.tumblr .com/ tagged/postcards-from- the-ﬁ eld.

48 // Eos 1 November 2015

AGU Chapman Conference on the Slow Slip Phenomena

Abstract Submission Deadline: 18 November Housing Deadline: 29 January

Join your colleagues to examine and discuss these phenomena on a global level.

Topics include: • Observations of slow slip phenomena • Fault structure and physical conditions where slow earthquakes are observed • Slow earthquakes and their relationship to large earthquakes and seismic hazard • Models and laboratory experiments • Improving observational methods for the analysis of slow slip phenomena

chapman.agu.org/slowslip