NORTH POLE Review Election Candidate Bios Online

VOL. 97 • NO. 16 • 15 AUG 2016 Subduction Zone Observatory

2016 AGU Elections Open Soon

Earth & Space Science News Citizen Scientists at the NORTH POLE Review Election Candidate Bios Online

2 Weeks Until Election 110 Candidates One Vote can Influence the Direction of AGU

29 August – 27 September

elections.agu.org Earth & Space Science News Contents

15 AUGUST 2016 PROJECT UPDATE VOLUME 97, ISSUE 16

Teens and Scientists Come Together at Science Cafés “Science cafés” bring scientists and the public together for relaxed conversation in restaurants and coffee shops. The Teen Science Café Network shows that the concept isn’t just for adults.

NEWS

Academy Head Says Political Rancor Harms Science, Society The recently retired National Academy of Sciences president says allegations that climate change is a fraud are deeply upsetting. But he hopes rabid partisanship 12 can be eased.

COVER OPINION Citizen Scientists Train a Thousand Eyes Planning for a Subduction 9 Zone Observatory on the North Pole An international, interdisciplinary effort to study and observe earthquakes, volcanoes, During expedition cruises, tourists participate in collecting scientific landslides, tsunamis, and continent data and contribute to ongoing observations of sea ice conditions in building at subduction zones could advance the Arctic. science and protect communities.

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 John W. Lane, Near-Surface Geophysics Science Informatics Jian Lin, Tectonophysics Mark G. Flanner, Atmospheric Figen Mekik, Paleoceanography Sciences and Paleoclimatology Nicola J. Fox, Space Physics Jerry L. Miller, Ocean Sciences and Aeronomy Michael A. Mischna, Planetary Sciences Steve Frolking, Biogeosciences Thomas H. Painter, Cryosphere Sciences Edward J. Garnero, Study of the Philip J. Rasch, Global Environmental Earth’s Deep Interior Change Michael N. Gooseff, Hydrology Eric M. Riggs, Education 23 Brian C. Gunter, Geodesy Adrian Tuck, Nonlinear Geophysics Kristine C. Harper, History Sergio Vinciguerra, Mineral of Geophysics and Rock Physics Susan E. Hough, Natural Hazards Andrew C. Wilcox, Earth and Planetary 23–27 Research Spotlight Emily R. Johnson, Volcanology, Surface Processes Geochemistry, and Petrology Earle Williams, Atmospheric How Do Tropical Forests Slow Keith D. Koper, Seismology and Space Electricity Knickpoints in Rivers?; Mysterious Robert E. Kopp, Geomagnetism Mary Lou Zoback, Societal Impacts and Paleomagnetism and Policy Sciences “Necklace Echoes” in the Sky Explained; Chemical Boosts Staff Ozone Production over Southern Production and Design: Faith A. Ishii, Production Manager; Melissa A. Tribur, Senior Production Specialist; Liz Castenson, Editorial and Production Coordinator; Elizabeth China; Can Mangroves Buffer Jacobsen, Production Intern; Yael Fitzpatrick, Manager, Design and Branding; Valerie Ocean Acidification?; Adapting Bassett and Travis Frazier, Electronic Graphics Specialists Weather Forecasting Techniques Editorial: Peter L. Weiss, Manager/Senior News Editor; Mohi Kumar, Scientific to Paleoclimate Studies; Novel Content Editor; Randy Showstack, Senior News Writer; JoAnna Wendel, News Writer; 24 Amy Coombs, Editorial Intern Technique Finds New Features Marketing: Jamie R. Liu, Manager, Marketing; Angelo Bouselli, Marketing Program 3–8 News Under the United States; Shift in Manager; Tyjen Conley, Marketing Program Manager Pacific Sea Level Trends Will Affect Advertising: Christy Hanson, Manager; Tel: +1-202-777-7536; Email: advertising@ agu.org Eyjafjallajökull Gave Lava and the U.S. West Coast. Ice Researchers an Eyeful; Juno ©2016. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. Material in this issue may be Spacecraft Nails Its Orbit Around photocopied by individual scientists for research or classroom use. Permission is also 28–31 Positions Available granted to use short quotes, figures, and tables for publication in scientific books and Jupiter; Academy Head Says Political journals. For permission for any other uses, contact the AGU Publications Office. Rancor Harms Science, Society; Current job openings in the Earth Eos (ISSN 0096-3941) is published semi-monthly, on the 1st and 15th of the month by Antarctica’s Ozone Hole Is Healing, and space sciences. the American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, Scientists Say; Exoplanet Found in USA. Periodical Class postage paid at Washington, D. C., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Member Service Center, 2000 Curious Triple-Star System. 32 Postcards from the Field Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. National Ecological Observatory Member Service Center: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern time; Tel: +1-202-462-6900; Fax: +1-202-328-0566; Tel. orders in U.S.: 1-800-966-2481; Email: [email protected]. 9–11 Opinion Network Airborne Observation Use AGU’s Geophysical Electronic Manuscript Submissions system Planning for a Subduction Zone Team arrives in Tennessee. to submit a manuscript: http://eos-submit.agu.org. Observatory. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect official On the Cover positions of the American Geophysical Union unless expressly stated. Christine W. McEntee, Executive Director/CEO 21–22 AGU News Expedition cruise passengers collect Every Vote Counts: Final Slate for scientific data near the North Pole. 2016 AGU Elections. Credit: Lauren Farmer.

facebook.com/AmericanGeophysicalUnion @AGU_Eos linkedin.com/company/american-geophysical-union youtube.com/user/AGUvideos

2 // Eos 15 August 2016 NEWS

Like torrents of volcanic “concrete,” lahars Eyjafjallajökull Gave Lava can cover and entomb people and houses. Notable examples include lahars from and Ice Researchers an Eyeful the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines, during which such flows destroyed thousands of homes, and a 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, in which lahars contributed to a death toll of about 23,000 people.

A Research Opportunity In the recent paper, which published online on 8 June, the research team describes how they tracked the eruption using aircraft, satellite images, and other data-gathering means. “Iceland is so well prepared for eruptions that as soon as something kicked in, they had all kinds of measurements [from seismometers, webcams, and other instruments] that monitored the eruption,” Edwards explained. The scientists then con- structed a timeline of the eruption and mapped the lava’s eventual path. In addition, a year after the eruption, when it was safer, the team went out to the glacier to examine the lava flows and their impacts on the glacier. The team was ini- tially worried that carbon dioxide levels would be too high—but it was good that they

Boaworm, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 (http://bit.ly/ccby3-0) 3.0 Boaworm, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY got there when they did, Edwards said. The Scientists used white plumes of steam like these to track lava from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption as it melted the team was able to observe mostly intact tun- glacier. nels and arches of ice carved by lava before ice closed them in again.

hen the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in heat from lava rapidly melts ice at the top of a Evaluating Hazards Iceland erupted in 2010, clouds of mountain, torrents of meltwater can cascade Through their analysis, the team learned W ash led to massive delays for airlines below, overwhelming glacial lakes and causing that the risk from meltwater was greatest across Europe. On the slopes of the volcano, extensive flooding downstream. during the initial explosive phase of the other plumes were rising as well: Billowing eruption, when vast amounts of ice melted, white steam rose from holes in the glacier as “This was the first triggering torrential bursts. These sudden lava flowed underneath and melted the ice releases could overflow glacial lakes below, from below. eruption where we could causing severe floods called jökulhlaups, For scientists eager to better understand the which the authors called “one of the largest interplay between lava and glaciers, as well as document, in a lot of hazards associated with volcanic eruptions the deadly hazards such interactions can detail, what happens as in Iceland.” cause, the eruption provided a unique oppor- Later, when the lava began to move tunity to gather data and insights. the lava flow is moving beneath the glacier, the flow of lava mixed “This was the first eruption where we could with water carved channels under the ice, document, in a lot of detail, what happens as under ice for a pretty good localizing and limiting potential dangers and the lava flow is moving under ice for a pretty distance.” allowing meltwater to escape more regularly. good distance,” said Benjamin Edwards, a volcanologist at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., Clues in Pillow Lavas and coauthor of a paper in the July Bulletin of Other observations by the team revealed Volcanology (see http://bit . ly/ subglacial - lava). During the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, how ice can quench and cool lava, which The findings by Edwards and his colleagues for instance, the threat of floods forced the affects the shape and flow of molten mate- could shed light on past under-ice volcanic evacuation of about 800 people downstream rial. These insights should help volcanolo- eruptions and future dangers from the melt- of the glacier. Nobody died, but part of the gists more accurately envision the circum- water floods they cause, Edwards added. ring road that runs along the island’s stances of past eruptions under ice, coast was washed out. according to the study authors. Ice Increases Hazards In addition, when moving meltwater When lava interacts with ice, it solidifies Ice-covered volcanoes can produce more haz- mixes with mud and ash, the flowing slurry into different forms, one of which is pillow ards than their ice- free cousins. When the (called a lahar) can pose extreme dangers. lava. The ice cools the skin of the lava rap-

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

idly, creating a glassy, smooth exterior. The still-molten interior lava pushes through Juno Spacecraft Nails Its Orbit this skin and itself rapidly cools, forming distinctive bulbous lumps. Around Jupiter The resulting shapes serve as vital tools for geophysicists who study ancient glaciers. The locations where the pillow lava gives way to other lava forms along the slopes of a volcano give scientists an indication of how far glaciers extended at the time of past eruptions. Other aspects of ice-influenced lava can tell researchers about the temperature and characteristics of the lava as it emerged. For instance, as opposed to the relatively smooth contours of hardened Eyjafjallajökull lava that had penetrated the ice, the roughly 10% that flowed on top of the glacier or beside it formed fields of sharp, jagged `a`a lava, according to the study. “For someone like me, who looks more at the prehistorical geological record, it’s really important to have these…real-time observations of lava-ice interactions,” said Chris Conway, a volcanologist at Victoria Univer- sity of Wellington in New Zealand, who was not involved with the study. Researchers can read layers of lava from multiple eruptions

to learn how glacial shapes changed over NASA/JPL-Caltech time, he noted. An illustration depicting the Juno spacecraft successfully entering Jupiter’s orbit. Although further snowfall can rebuild a glacier diminished by lava, remnants of the path that the molten rock carved through n the night of 4 July, NASA’s Juno Juno’s handlers plan to power up the the ice on Eyjafjallajökull remained visible a spacecraft successfully entered orbit remaining science instruments by the end of couple of years ago, when the study authors O around Jupiter following a 35-minute July. Then the spacecraft will spend approxi- last returned to the site, Edwards said. Mon- engine burn that slowed the craft enough for mately a year and a half studying Jupiter’s itoring the remains of ice after an eruption is the planet to capture it. At 8:53 p.m. Pacific core, mapping its magnetic field, and mea- important because it may help researchers Daylight Time, scientists received a signal suring the amount of water and ammonia in studying ancient volcanoes better under- from Juno confirming the orbit insertion. the Jovian atmosphere. Juno will travel stand the changes to lava deposits that were “We’re there. We’re in orbit. We con- around Jupiter in elliptical polar orbits to later eroded by reformed glaciers, he quered Jupiter,” exclaimed Juno principal avoid an intense radiation region around explained. Some of the upper portions of the investigator Scott Bolton at a news briefing Jupiter’s equator and to limit damage to the formerly 7.5-kilometer-long glacier at later that night at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab- craft’s titanium-shielded instruments. Eyjafjallajökull had filled back in by 2012, oratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. Bolton works Steven Levin, Juno project scientist from Edwards said. However, for the foreseeable at the Southwest Research Institute in San JPL, said he looks forward to 27 August, 53.5 future, the glacier will likely remain a kilo- Antonio, Texas. days (one orbital period) from when the meter or more shorter than it used to be. “Tonight, through tones, Juno sang to us, spacecraft started looping around the giant and it was a song of perfection,” said Rick planet. Then, with all of Juno’s instruments Nybakken, Juno project manager from JPL. expected to be operating, “we’ll get our first By Elizabeth Deatrick, Freelance Writer; email: “After a 1.7-billion- mile [2.7-billion- really good look [at Jupiter] from close up and [email protected] kilometer] journey, we hit our burn targets learn how Jupiter is going to surprise us.” within 1 second on a target that was just tens Levin said he hopes the mission also can help of kilometers large.” answer bigger questions about the origins of the giant planet and the solar system. Prep for Science Observations Visit http://bit.ly/Juno-movie to see a Visit Eos.org for The day after Juno entered orbit around time-lapse movie of Jupiter’s largest moons the latest news Jupiter—a risky maneuver during which its orbiting the planet. The images were cap- science instruments were shut down—the tured by the Juno spacecraft during its final and perspectives spacecraft restored high-rate communica- approach to Jupiter. tions. Then, on 6 July, the mission switched on five science instruments, according to NASA. By Randy Showstack, Staff Writer

4 // Eos 15 August 2016 NEWS

the geosciences as a field is partly culpable: Academy Head Says Political Rancor This just blows my mind.” Cicerone said that he “did not see the Harms Science, Society severity [of attacks on science] coming. I’m still hoping it’s going to go away quickly, but it’s been hard to deal with because it has raised a whole set of questions. When do we alph Cicerone, an atmospheric scien- Science in an Age have to stand up and say that all of science is tist, retired 30 June from the position of Political Partisanship being tarred with the same brush?” R of president of the U.S. National Cicerone told Eos that his biggest disappoint- Fortunately for science, according to Academy of Sciences (NAS), which he had ment in office was the “rabid partisanship” Charles Kennel, past chair of the NAS Space held for two terms since 2005 as arguably surrounding climate change, which has Studies Board, no one was better equipped the world’s most influential scientific opin- included congressional grilling of climate than Cicerone “by temperament, judgment, ion leader. Marine geophysicist Marcia experts and officials. He also expressed con- and intelligence to have led American science McNutt, former editor in chief of the Science cern about recent congressional moves to limit through the period of unprecedented political family of journals and former director of the geoscience funding at the U.S. National Sci- division that fell to Ralph to cope with.” U.S. Geological Survey, took the NAS reins ence Foundation and elsewhere. on 1 July. “The most frustrating thing has been these Looking for Other Potential Solutions During a wide-ranging interview about political developments around climate As one possible solution to the political divide, science and society given in Washington, change,” said Cicerone, adding, “We are Cicerone suggested that the business commu- D. C., the week before he retired, Cicerone trashing our institutions. For example, the nity may want to weigh in and consider calling discussed with Eos challenges that he and antigovernment feelings that anything the on the White House for stronger action on cli- NAS faced during his tenure, including cli- federal government touches is somehow dirty mate change. “What I’m hoping is that the mate change and threats to science from and wasteful and somehow morally wrong: current resistance to discussions [about cli- political polarization. Cicerone also dis- This just drives me crazy.” mate change], which is largely [from] the cussed funding pressures, diversity in the He said that some opposition to govern- Republicans in the House and some in the academy, support for science, and the broad ment traces to the American Revolution with Senate, that that is going to go away,” he said. value of the scientific method. people seeking local control, continued with “I think the facts just keep piling [up]. Even- President Ronald Reagan saying that govern- tually, people are going to have to come Cicerone and the Academy ment is the problem, and has extended with around. The business community has been Reflecting on his accomplishments as NAS Republican resistance to White House initia- missing for the last 2 or 3 years. If you haven’t chief, Cicerone counts among them influen- tives on climate change and “an all-too-loud noticed, the business community is no longer tial NAS studies about climate change. Other group of people who oppose any authority, the leader of the Republican party. That could highlights include the establishment of the especially based on expertise.” change in November.” Gulf Research Program following the 2010 “I could see this [divisiveness] developing,” Cicerone, who is a former AGU president— Deepwater Horizon oil spill (see http://bit.ly/ Cicerone continued, “but I think the extreme as is new NAS president Marcia McNutt—also NAS-Gulf) and two visits to NAS by President statements that we’ve seen and the allega- suggests that scientific success stories help Barack Obama. tions that climate science is a fraud and that boost the credibility of science. Such successes Established by Congress in 1863, the academy is a private nonprofit society that provides independent, objective advice to the nation on science- and technology-related issues. Several top U.S. geoscientists told Eos that they credit Cicerone with raising the academy’s stature and relevance, championing climate and environmental change studies, and raising awareness of science and its importance to society. For instance, academy member Richard Alley of Pennsylvania State Uni- versity in University Park said that Cicerone “has been a visionary leader for the academy, strengthening its long-standing commitment to the very highest integrity while making the science more useful and accessible to policy makers and the public.” He’s “a forceful and highly effective spokesperson for climate change science and for the integrity of science,” said Mary Lou Zoback of Stanford University in Stanford,

Calif., who is also an academy member and a Showstack Randy member of Eos’s editorial advisory board. Ralph Cicerone, recently retired president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

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

in a variety of areas, including nuclear waste costs, which include scientific reports, represent American science one way or the management and space exploration, could have dropped by about $71 million, or 25%, from other, and I could just sense that they want a cascading effects in reducing political discord approximately $278 million to $207 million. woman.” and public distrust of science, he said. “A cou- During that same period, funding from private Cicerone, who is 73, added that “they want ple of success stories along specific lines will be and other sources increased $20 million, from someone younger. After all, I’ve gotten old in very valuable, because otherwise these fears $52 million to $72 million, making up for this job. So I think putting a face on American and these hatreds are very hard to confront.” some of the decline (see http://bit.ly/NAS science that’s female and younger is going to -Treasurer-2015). be really great.” McNutt is 64. Critical Support for and from Science Regarding diversity of the academy’s “Marcia will be great because she’s pretty Cicerone also lauded some Republican and membership, Cicerone said that the institu- energetic,” Cicerone said. “I don’t think she’s Democratic politicians for their support for tion has been doing better at bringing in going to have any disadvantages. I could be science—particularly President Barack more women. In 2005 when he took the wrong. There are still some holdovers who will Obama. He said many members of the Presi- helm, women composed 9.5% of academy somehow not give full credence to a woman, dent’s Council of Advisors on Science and members (187 of 2062 members); by 2016 but I think it will be fine.” Technology (PCAST) have told him that that number increased to 15.1% (354 out of Obama’s interest in science is what keeps 2351 members). This year, women composed Faith in the Scientific Method them going. Obama is “really interested,” 28.6% (24 out of 84) of newly elected academy Some solutions to the current political Cicerone said. “I don’t mean this to be a polit- members. “It’s just happening because there impasse lie in following the scientific ical statement. But from a science point of are a lot of overqualified women coming method, Cicerone said. “The scientific view, the demonstrated interest of the presi- through the ranks” who are among the best method is just so broadly capable of self- dent in science and technology issues across people in their fields, Cicerone said. “Bingo. correction that we have to stick with it. I also the board—health, engineering, you name It wasn’t that hard.” think we have to remind ourselves [of] what it—that keeps PCAST going and it certainly is good behavior and try to stick to it where keeps [White House science adviser] John we don’t automatically embark on any politi- Holdren going.” cal message but try to review the facts and set Holdren “tries to bring science into decision “The scientific examples. I think the scientific community is making in the government where it has been community is capable of capable of leading much of the country out of neglected before,” Cicerone said. “And it’s this terrible partisanship by our methods,” frustrating. I think what keeps him going is a leading much of the Cicerone said. commitment to the cause as well as the inter- He cited the recent United Nations accord est of the president.” country out of this terrible on climate change as a positive measure, say- Cicerone said that Obama’s appointment of ing that an “ingenious” aspect requires each respected and knowledgeable scientists to key partisanship by our nation to present its plan to reduce green- administration positions paid off in many methods.” house emissions that gets revisited every ways, including participation by some of them 5 years. in coming up with solutions to the 2010 Deep- “There is going to be imposed a high-level, water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. international, technically competent review For instance, Steven Chu, who was U.S. secre- to see if the claims are being met [and] what tary of energy from 2009 to 2013, co-led a sci- However, Cicerone expressed disappoint- is the rate of progress,” Cicerone said. “This ence team that developed analyses and plans ment in the progress made to increase the gets to the issues where other people have to control the flow of oil from the well and number of academy members from under- said over the years that if we really want all provided a determination of the leak rate. represented minorities. “We have not done a nations to contribute, there can’t be any BS “Steve brought things to the government good job finding new members in minority here. The reduction of greenhouse gas emis- which had never been seen before, like gamma communities,” he said. “There are some sions has to be verifiable, using modern tech- ray imaging to see whether the [shutoff] marvelous success stories, but there aren’t nical means, which are really advanced.” valves were functioning or not,” Cicerone said. enough of them. We’ve made only minor He added, “I know I’m sounding like a nerd Appointing top scientists “is a way to take improvements there in our membership.” here, but I really do see a good parallel advantage of science in a democracy,” he between democratic agreements, democratic added. Gender a Plus for New Academy President processes, and the scientific method.” New NAS president McNutt—the first woman As Cicerone was about to exit the NAS Internal Challenges to lead the academy—likely will face many of presidency, a question lingered in his mind Cicerone, who also served as chair of the the same challenges that confronted him, about how fast society can fix its mistakes. National Research Council (NRC), an arm of Cicerone said, including attacks on the scien- He said that he has a lot of confidence in the NAS, said that “job number one” for him was tific evidence of human-induced climate self-correcting capability of science but won- maintaining the quality and suitability of the change and a segment of the U.S. population ders whether science can help society quickly approximately 200 NRC reports issued annu- that resents authority, particularly federal enough to correct its course. “Is something ally although federal reimbursements that authority in Washington, D. C. However, “I bad going to happen before something good help pay for those reports have diminished. don’t think there is any resistance amongst happens? I think that’s the race that we are “Financially, things have been tough,” the academy membership or larger forces to in.” Cicerone told Eos. The 2015 NAS treasurer’s say, ‘Gee, we don’t want to deal with a report states that over the past 5 years the woman.’ I think it is going to be the opposite,” annual federal funding to reimburse project he said. “I’ve been in places where I’ve had to By Randy Showstack, Staff Writer

6 // Eos 15 August 2016 NEWS

Protecting Stratospheric Ozone Antarctica’s Ozone Hole Is Healing, To scientists, the vast hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctic set off warning bells Scientists Say because the ozone layer absorbs UV radiation from the Sun. Without the ozone layer’s protection, humans and other life would be exposed to the harshest UV rays, which can burn tissue and trigger mutations in DNA that cause cancer. Put another way, without the ozone layer’s protection, life as we know it would not exist. Once researchers, including Susan Solo- mon’s team, found a link between the ozone hole and industrial CFCs, world leaders came together and signed the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which called for a ban on those and similar substances. Production and use of CFCs ended in developed countries in 1996 and developing countries in 2010. The ban had an observable effect on the atmosphere: A National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration report from 2010 stated that chlorine in the atmosphere from

NASA/GSFC CFCs had declined by 1.3% since its peak in 2000 (see http://bit . ly/ ozone - assess). False-color images of Antarctica’s ozone hole in (left) September 2000 and (right) September 2014. The hole has shrunk by 4.5 million square kilometers since 2000, according to a new paper. Blue tones indicate areas of extremely Examining the Hole low ozone concentrations. Purple tones indicate areas of lowest ozone concentrations. NASA satellites have tracked ozone concentrations since the 1970s, so researchers involved with the new study tapped that database to irst discovered in the 1980s, the hole in hole’s discovery, industrial activities around investigate changes in the ozone layer each the Earth’s ozone layer that stretches the world emitted chemicals called chloroflu- September since the year 2000. They also F above Antarctica every October is an orocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. looked at direct measurements taken by sci- iconic example of how human activity and Thanks to the pioneering research of Solo- entific balloons that carry instruments into atmospheric chemistry are inextricably linked. mon and her team in 1986 (see http://go the stratosphere. Between 2000 and 2015, the This hole measured an average of about .nature.com/29Ftz8R), scientists discovered researchers found that not only is the rate of 18 million square kilometers in September that CFCs reduced stratospheric ozone con- ozone depletion decreasing but also the size of 1987 and widened to nearly 25 million square centrations all over the world. At that time, the annual hole has shrunk. kilometers in September 2000, thanks to industries used CFCs in refrigeration and dry Although the hole reaches its maximum size industrial pollutants that destroy ozone in the cleaning; even aerosol hairspray released the in October, the researchers specifically looked stratosphere. chemicals. The reduction was particularly bad at September, because at that point the swirl- The ozone layer protects Earth’s surface and over Antarctica, where even extremely low ing polar vortex is more stable, Doug Kinnison, the plants and animals that live on it from concentrations thinned the ozone layer a coauthor on the paper and an atmospheric ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Now scien- enough that scientists referred to it as the scientist at the National Center for Atmo- tists report that public policy efforts that ozone hole. spheric Research in Boulder, Colo., told Eos. In banned ozone- destroying chemicals have paid CFCs destroy ozone every Antarctic spring, October the highly dynamic vortex is prone to off: The ozone hole has shrunk by more than but the process starts before winter even shifts that can change the size and location of 4 million square kilometers since 2000. That’s begins. When the Sun permanently sets in the hole in inconsistent ways, Kinnison said, a 16% decrease. March, a vortex of cold polar wind swirls so by focusing on September, the researchers “We can now be confident that the things around the continent, cooling the strato- teased out a stronger signal of changes in size we’ve done have put the planet on a path to sphere. Water vapor droplets collect around and depletion rate year by year. heal,” said Susan Solomon, lead author of a molecules of CFCs, forming clouds. Science paper published on 30 June (see http:// Once the Sun rises again in July, ultraviolet Volcanic Interruptions bit . ly/ science - ozone) and an atmospheric (UV) light strikes the CFCs, breaking chemi- The researchers hit a snag in the data for 2015. chemist at Massachusetts Institute of Tech- cal bonds and freeing chlorine. The free chlo- Curiously, the ozone hole reached a record- nology in Cambridge. rine atoms subsequently strip oxygen from breaking size that year, a whopping 25.3 mil- ozone molecules (O3) to form other chemi- lion square kilometers, prompting some sci- Ozone-Destroying Chemistry cals, destroying the ozone itself. The ozone entists to rethink their previous estimates of The ozone layer, found 20–30 kilometers hole reaches its peak size in October, and by its rate of healing. But Kinnison and his col- above Earth’s surface at the lower edge of the November the stratosphere heats up enough leagues discovered that the eruption of Chil- stratosphere, protects the planet from the to break apart this polar vortex and fill the ean volcano Calbuco in May of that year was to Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. At the time of the hole. blame for the drastic drop in ozone.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 7 NEWS

The researchers confirmed this by run- ning models of ozone depletion with and Exoplanet Found in Curious without the input of gases from volcanic eruptions. Large volcanic eruptions spew Triple-Star System hundreds of thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which reacts with water vapor to form sulfate aerosols. Along with slightly cooling the planet, these newfound exoplanet orbiting within a sulfur aerosols provide a surface on which triple-star system has scientists ozone-destroying chemical reactions hap- A scratching their heads. pen. This phenomenon has been well docu- Located some 340 light years from Earth, mented after every major volcanic eruption, the gas giant called HD 131399Ab weighs in at including those of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 about 4 times the mass of Jupiter, gets illu- and Mexico’s El Chichón in 1982. minated by not one but three stars, and Therefore, although the researchers con- takes 550 Earth years to complete one loop tinued to observe a drop in atmospheric around its central star. chlorine in their models, Calbuco’s 400,000 That star, dubbed HD 131399A, exceeds our tons of sulfur dioxide led to an increase in Sun’s mass by 80% and orbits a center of ESO polar stratospheric clouds and thus ozone mass shared with a smaller star, HD 131399B, An artist’s representation of a newly discovered triple- destruction. which is itself orbited by yet another star, star system. Planet HD 131399Ab orbits on the red line HD 131399C. around the star HD 131399A, whose orbit is represented Ozone of the Future Each of the stars exerts gravitational force by the outer blue curve. The other two stars, HD 131399B “It’s good to see some sign of improve- on the exoplanet. For much of that giant and HD 131399C, swivel around a center of mass repre- ment,” Susan Strahan, an atmospheric sci- planet’s half-millennium orbit, someone on sented by the inner blue curve. Stars A, B, and C all orbit entist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center its surface would see triple sunrises and around a shared center of mass. in Greenbelt, Md., told Eos. Strahan wasn’t sunsets, its discoverers said. involved in the research. That spectacle may sound like a treat, but But because of how much temperature can for about a quarter of the giant planet’s while the other two stars orbit at 2000 AU. affect the size of the ozone hole year by year, orbit, the paired stars set while the big star HD 131399Ab, however, orbits at 80 AU— Strahan says it has often been difficult to rises (and vice versa), brightening up the that’s twice the distance from the Sun to pick out a signal of healing from the noise. exoplanet with constant starlight, said Kevin Pluto—while the twin stars HD 131399B and “We atmospheric scientists are anxiously Wagner, a first-year Ph.D. student at the HD 131399C reside about 300–400 AU from awaiting the day when we can conclusively University of Arizona in Tucson and lead the central star. look at the observations of the ozone hole author on a paper reporting the discovery of That means the planet is trapped in a pre- and say, ‘Yup, it’s definitely getting smaller the exoplanet. He and his colleagues pub- carious balance, in a fragile orbit amid the and, yup, it’s because of chlorine lished their findings on 7 July in Science (see stars’ powerful gravitational fields. If it were [decrease].’” The paper’s results are “a http://bit.ly/Jovian-3stars). a bit closer to stars B and C, Wagner said, it small piece of the puzzle, and we expect that Unlike many other recently discovered would have been flung long ago into space. in years to come we’ll see stronger evi- exoplanets, the researchers found Wagner noted that HD 131399Ab doesn’t dence.” HD 131399Ab with direct imaging, meaning look like it could have formed in its current In 2009 scientists at NASA created a vision that they observed and studied light from position. Planets and stars form from col- of a world without the Montreal Protocol. In the planet itself. It was the first exoplanet lapsing clouds of dust that flatten into proto- their “World Avoided” simulation, the discovered by the team in a new search for planetary pancakes full of growing chunks of researchers predicted that by the year 2065, exoplanets made with the Very Large Tele- material. So “the other stars would have dis- the ozone hole not only would have stuck scope in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The rupted the disk at about the same location around all year, but also a twin would have researchers used the telescope’s new auxil- that we see the planet now,” Wagner said. formed over the North Pole (see http://go iary Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast But with only a brief glimpse of the planet on .nasa.gov/29GbTF3). In that scenario, people Exoplanet Research (SPHERE) instrument, its 550-year orbit, scientists know too little to in midlatitude cities would suffer sunburns which is designed specifically to capture determine how the planet got to its current after 5 minutes outside, and DNA- mutating telltale infrared radiation from exoplanets position, he added. radiation would increase 500%. while blocking out the light from surround- The researchers plan to investigate the Instead, Solomon expects that the ozone ing stars. system more closely to learn about its origins. hole will shrink and eventually seal up by In the meantime, Wagner said, HD 131399Ab midcentury. Precarious Orbit “tells us that there are systems out there that Science was helpful in charting a path The planet isn’t the first found in the middle are kind of weirder than we can imagine.” away from these molecules for countries to of a three-star dance, but its position relative Visit https://youtu. be/SrzJEkovZLw to see a follow, Solomon explained. “Now we’ve to the stars piqued the team’s curiosity. simulation of the newly discovered solar sys- actually seen the planet starting to get bet- Generally, planets in three-star systems tem that shows the motion of the stars and ter,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing.” orbit close to one star while the other two exoplanet. stars orbit much farther away. In another three-star system, called 51 Eri, the planet By JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer orbits a star at 13 astronomical units (AU) By JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer

8 // Eos 15 August 2016 OPINION

emerged from past talks in an effort to grow Planning for a Subduction Zone the movement, advance community discus- Observatory sion, and help shape a vision. Lessons from Tohoku Scientific focus on subduction zones has increased dramatically in the past decade, accompanying a recognition that large num- bers of people are migrating to urban areas that lie within subduction zones. Scientists recognize the hazards inherent in living near tectonically active margins [Bilham, 2009] and are motivated to understand them so that they may provide the best advice to protect communities. Investments in onshore and offshore instrument arrays have enhanced the resolution of our understanding of subduction-related processes. Multifaceted analyses can make monitoring systems and hazard assessments more robust. For example, the Mw 9.0 To- hoku earthquake, which shook Japan in 2011, occurred in an area with an abundance of onshore and offshore observations, including geodetic and seismic signals, marine seismic reflection profiles, bathymetry, tsunami wave heights, and novel seafloor acoustic GPS and pressure measurements. Offshore observations provided, for the first time, unambiguous evidence for why the tsunami was so large—they documented several tens of meters of fault slip near the Japan Trench (Figure 1). Rich data sets and multifaceted

USGS analyses also revealed that days before the A scientist investigates dramatic subsidence—in places up to 2 meters—along the northwestern coast of Sumatra Tohoku earthquake, the plate interface began in January 2005. Here tsunami waves spawned from the Mw 9.1 earthquake that shook the region on 26 December slipping slowly, with slip propagating toward 2004 snapped off treetops; roots and lower trunks are now submerged in water. the initiation point of the Mw 9.0 earthquake [Kato et al., 2012]. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake illustrated the ubduction zones contain many of and sediments at subduction margins are potential of an SZO to significantly advance Earth’s most remarkable geologic important reservoirs for greenhouse gases. In understanding of the processes at work be- S structures, from the deepest oceanic short, the diverse environments in subduction fore, during, and after a major event. It also trenches to glacier-covered mountains and zones are natural laboratories for investigat- prompted sobering retrospectives on the dif- steaming volcanoes. These environments ing a wide range of interlinked processes. ficulty of anticipating its enormous size, even formed through spectacular events: Nature’s The myriad opportunities for collaborative after meticulous paleoseismological studies largest earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic work among scientific disciplines, institu- [Sawai et al., 2012], underscoring the need for eruptions are born here. tions, and nations have inspired a grassroots further research investments that will make Great subduction zone earthquakes can movement to create a subduction zone obser- subduction zone populations more resilient. cause coastal subsidence in minutes that has vatory (SZO), now in a nascent stage of plan- impacts comparable to a century or more of ning. Over the past few years, Earth scientists Key SZO Features climatically driven sea level rise. They can have been discussing options for its geograph- Ideally, an SZO would produce research that radiate shaking waves that trigger widespread ic scope and structure. For example, should is transformational, multidisciplinary, am- landslides and submarine slope failures and such an observatory focus on one subduction phibious, and international. As illustrated by can spawn tsunami waves that reach distant zone or multiple zones? Should it be managed the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, an SZO lands. Eruptions can produce fast-moving as a center or an umbrella organization? How would enable transformational research by mudflows as well as high-lofted ash clouds should resources be balanced between new fa- facilitating acquisition and analysis of dispa- complete with their own lightning systems. cilities and funds needed for research? rate data with multiple synergistic applica- The geologic processes in subduction zones As part of these discussions, we held a tions considered from the start. An SZO must shape surface morphology, couple plate mo- series of seminars focused on SZO topics. A be multidisciplinary to understand linkages tions to mantle convection, control resource more official and much broader workshop between processes within subduction zones distributions, and even interact with Earth’s will occur in September 2016 (see http://bit and the transitions to adjacent tectonic envi- climate—volcanic gases can cool the climate, .ly/-297NRFT). Here we share ideas that have ronments.

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

parallel to each oth- offshore measurements are applicable to er, accommodated multiple scientific questions and practical by steeply dipping applications. strike-slip faulting, in which most A High-Impact, Societally Relevant SZO of the movement The envisioned SZO would contribute to the is horizontal. The scientific understanding needed to build soci- Queen Charlotte etal resilience in the face of natural hazards. Fault system is this It would also serve as an international educa- latter “transform” tional resource. For example, recording earth- boundary. The quake ground motions using densely spaced 2012 Mw 7.8 Haida networks would enable us to properly calibrate Gwaii earthquake the simulations that underlie seismic hazard in British Columbia occurred on this system and illustrated the complexity of Fig. 1. Fault slip from the M 9 Tohoku, Japan, earthquake in 2011. Seismic and GPS w this transition, with waveform modeling revealed significant slip in patches with varying characteristics surprisingly many of (amplitudes color coded), as if it were a composite of smaller earthquakes. The plate the characteristics interface (fault) dips to the west. A downdip patch radiated the high-frequency waves of a subduction zone that damaged buildings (right map), and the largest slip on an updip patch (left map) thrust event. generated the enormous tsunami. Modified fromFrankel [2013]. Recent studies of the Alaska The tremendous diversity of processes subduction zone and physical characteristics displayed by the demonstrate that during great subduction world’s subduction zones begs for a global zone earthquakes, as ruptures approach scope. Although the geographic scope of an the seafloor, they sometimes propagate SZO remains to be determined, we illustrate from the plate interface to secondary faults, key features of an SZO with some examples sometimes also deforming ductile overlying of broad questions addressed in particular sediments. Uncertainties in seafloor fault regional studies. Two of the three examples displacements remain the most significant come from the Cascadia subduction zone (Fig- unknown in local tsunami hazard assess- ure 2a), only because it is where most of the ments [Geist, 2002]. These hazards could be authors reside and work. reduced with an SZO monitoring system and How do accretionary prism sedimenta- seafloor mapping before and after events. tion, geochemistry, ocean currents, and cli- How do subducting slabs and volcanism mate change interact with gas hydrate sta- affect continental crust creation? Processes bility? Subduction margin sediments contain that generate magmas in subduction zones a significant fraction of Earth’s greenhouse are the “factories” that create continents, gas methane. This methane, derived from based on the similarity between the com- sediments of terrestrial origins and organisms positions of continental crust and volcanic at the sea surface, gets bound within the solid arcs. Numerous hypotheses exist about the crystalline water lattices of gas hydrates. In processes by which slab materials accrete, Fig. 2. The Cascadia subduction zone off the western Cascadia, multichannel seismic reflection subduct, melt, mix, and emerge at crustal coast of the United States and Canada provides exam- profiles reveal a gas hydrate reservoir in a depths or extrude from active volcanoes. ples of questions a subduction zone observatory could swath along the seafloor where the water Testing these hypotheses requires integrated address. Merged bathymetry and topography (shaded) depth exceeds 500 meters (depth contour in studies spanning the disciplines of chemis- with superposed boundaries (white lines and arrows) illus- Figure 2a), above which hydrates decompose. try, petrology, fluid dynamics, geology, and trate the diversity of environments. (a) Southern and cen- However, seawater warming at these depths seismology, with four-dimensional imaging. tral Cascadia, from Pacific Ocean depths (dark blues) to threatens to decompose some of this hydrate. An SZO must be amphibious, and this high Cascade mountains and volcanoes (browns). Pro- This could increase bottom water acidity and requires new means of collecting and inte- cesses include formation of an accretionary prism, forma- lower the water’s oxygen content, which could grating offshore and onshore observations. tion and dissolution of methane hydrates (jagged white have dramatic negative effects on organisms Scientists need sustained marine geodetic line), consumption of the Juan de Fuca plate at the defor- and accelerate climate change. observations to characterize subduction mation front (hatchuring), and its descent beneath the How do subduction zones transition to zone deformation processes over many North American plate. The plate interface is stuck (locked) other types of tectonic regimes? At the timescales, from plate motions (decades) at shallow depths and slips slowly at greater depths, gen- northern end of the Cascadia subduction to earthquake fault slip (seconds). A geo- erating tremors. Deeper, metamorphic changes lead to zone (Figure 2b), the plate motions change detic component of an SZO could include volcanic arc formation. (b) In northernmost Cascadia, the from converging toward one other with high-resolution repeat seafloor mapping, tectonic activity transitions from subduction to transform associated subduction and thrust faulting pressure gauges, and novel tools like fiber- boundaries. The red rectangle outlines the rupture plane along shallowly dipping planes to moving optic strain meters. These and other frontier of the Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii earthquake.

10 // Eos 15 August 2016 OPINION

assessments and building codes (Figure 1). munity collaboratively pursues creative strat- Seattle; Susan Cashman, Department of Geol- An SZO should be built collaboratively with egies, developing an SZO may simultaneously ogy, Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif.; those responsible for hazard mitigation and serve to enrich observational tools, improve Darrel Cowan, Ken Creager, Brendan Crow- response. Perhaps most important, it could hazard models, and enhance our basic un- ell, and Alison Duvall, Department of Earth offer opportunities to involve citizens in derstanding of one of Earth’s most dynamic and Space Sciences, University of Washington, research, through educating the public and environments. Seattle; Arthur Frankel, U.S. Geological Sur- making them stakeholders. For example, local vey, Seattle, Wash., and Department of Earth scientists, students, and interested citizenry References and Space Sciences, University of Washington, could be engaged to make biological and sur- Bilham, R. (2009), The seismic future of cities, Bull. Earthquake Seattle; Frank Gonzalez and Heidi Houston, Eng., 7, 839–887, doi:10.1007/s10518-009-9147-0. vey observations before and after events and Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Uni- Frankel, A. (2013), Rupture history of the 2011 M 9 Tohoku Japan to document coastal uplift and subsidence, earthquake determined from strong-motion and high-rate GPS re- versity of Washington, Seattle; Paul Johnson, tsunami inundation, or storm surge impacts. cordings: Subevents radiating energy in different frequency bands, School of Oceanography, University of Wash- Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 103, 1290–1306. Such engagement could extend understanding Geist, E. L. (2002), Complex earthquake rupture and local tsunamis, ington, Seattle; Harvey Kelsey, Department of the effects of major natural events in places J. Geophys. Res., 107(B5), 2086, doi:10.1029/2000JB000139. of Geology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, where we lack prior baselines, and it would fit Kato, A., K. Obara, T. Igarishi, H. Tsuruoka, S. Nakagawa, and N. Hi- Calif.; Una Miller and Emily Roland, School rata (2012), Propagation of slow slip leading up to the 2011 Mw 9.0 naturally into educational programs that teach Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Science, 335, 705–708. of Oceanography, University of Washington, by doing. Sawai, Y., Y. Namegaya, Y. Okamura, K. Satake, and M. Shishikura Seattle; David Schmidt, Department of Earth (2012), Challenges of anticipating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and and Space Sciences, University of Washington, tsunami using coastal geology, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L21309, A Path Toward an SZO doi:10.1029/2012GL053692. Seattle; Lydia Staisch, U.S. Geological Survey, Moving an SZO from concept to reality will Seattle, Wash., and Department of Earth and require coordination within and among aca- Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seat- demic and hazards assessment communities. By Joan Gomberg, U.S. Geological Survey, tle; John Vidale, Department of Earth and Space Individually and as members of professional Seattle, Wash., and Department of Earth and Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle; entities, we must lead, advocate for, and Space Sciences, University of Washington, William Wilcock, School of Oceanography, Uni- contribute to proposals to governmental and Seattle; email: [email protected]; Paul Bodin versity of Washington, Seattle; and Erin Wirth, private sector institutions to support, design, and Jody Bourgeois, Department of Earth Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Uni- and build an SZO. If the Earth science com- and Space Sciences, University of Washington, versity of Washington, Seattle

CALL FOR PROPOSALS Scientific Ocean Drilling

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) ties for drilling there in 2019 and continuing into 2020. explores Earth’s climate history, structure, dynamics, The JR will then continue to operate in the general area and deep biosphere as described at www.iodp.org/ of the Atlantic and adjacent seas. Although JR proposals Science-Plan-for-2013-2023. IODP provides opportu- for any region are welcomed, pre- and full proposals for nities for international and interdisciplinary research these future operational areas are strongly encouraged. on transformative and societally relevant topics using the ocean drilling, coring, and downhole measurement MSP expeditions are planned to operate once per year facilities D/V JOIDES Resolution (JR), D/V Chikyu and on average, and proposals for any ocean are welcomed. Mission-Specific Platforms (MSP). Chikyu operations will be project-based, and new proposals to use Chikyu in riser IODP Expeditions MSP The JR is planned to operate 2014-2015 mode must be Complemen- 2016-2017 2018-2019 10 months per year in 2018 2021 tary Project Proposals (with and 2019 under a long-term, cost-sharing).

TION

U Chikyu global circumnavigation track L MSP O

MSP R

JO E IODP aims to foster joint

based on proposal pressure. IDE D

OI S J R E S Future JR expeditions are O 2020 projects with the Interna-

T JOIDES I

O Resolution tional Continental Drilling

projected to follow a path N

2019 ON

from the southwestern Pacific I Program (ICDP). We there- UT

TION L

U O

S JO fore also invite proposals that O I Ocean, through the Southern E D S ES E R R 2019 ESOL R ES UTION JOIDES ID coordinate drilling on land Ocean, and into the Gulf of JO MSP Mexico and the Equatorial and 2018 and at sea. South Atlantic, for opportuni-

Submission Deadline: October 3, 2016 • More information: www.iodp.org • Contact: [email protected]

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 11 Citizen Scientists Train a Thousand Eyes on the NORTH POLE By Lauren Farmer, Alex Cowan, Jennifer Katy Hutchings, and Don Perovich

12 // Eos 15 August 2016 Citizen Scientists Train a Thousand Eyes on the During expedition cruises, tourists participate in collecting scientiﬁ c data and contribute to ongoing NORTH POLE observations of sea ice conditions in the Arctic. ll eyes were on the ice as the Russian icebreaker 50 let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) plowed forward. The destination was in sight for the 130 passengers on board for the cruise of a lifetime—the North Pole. They had sailed across the Arctic Ocean, which has undergone major losses of summer sea ice in recent decades. The ocean Athat once was covered by ice several years old and several Lauren Farmer Lauren

The bow of Russian icebreaker 50 let Pobedy, operated by Poseidon Expeditions, visits the calving face of the Vilchek Ice Cap in Franz Josef Land.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 13 Cruises take paying “adventure travelers” to Franz Josef Land in the Russian Arctic and then to stand on top of the world at the North Pole.

fitting well within a program that is already strongly focused on education. During July and August of 2015, two of us (L.F. and A.C.) were employed as expedition staff for four round-trip cruises from Mur- mansk to the North Pole on the nuclear- powered Russian icebreaker 50 let Pobedy with the tour company Poseidon Expeditions. The ship’s itinerary included repeat traverses from the edge of the ice pack all the way to the North Pole and back again, making it an Lauren Farmer Lauren ideal platform for observing and recording Citizen scientists measure depth profiles for a melt pond at the North Pole. the state of the sea ice cover over the course of a summer melt season. The purpose of these North Pole cruises is meters thick is now dominated by a layer less than 1 year to take paying “adventure travelers” to Franz Josef Land old and less than 2 meters thick. in the Russian Arctic and then to stand on top of the Polar tourism is an established and increasingly diverse world at the North Pole while providing an entertaining industry, and a significant portion of it consists of what is and educational experience. As part of the guides’ role as known as “expedition cruising.” Relatively small (80–200 educators, we developed an observation program in which passengers) ice-capable cruise vessels, equipped with passengers were intimately involved in the collection of fleets of rubber boats for excursions, traverse large areas of data about the state of the sea ice cover. the Arctic and Antarctic for months at a time during the Because the research project was a late addition to the summer season. These vessels can act as research plat- cruise program, we announced it to the passengers at the forms, an activity that tour operators and paying passen- beginning of each cruise. Interested passengers learned gers increasingly see as a positive addition to the cruise, more fully about the aims and techniques during a lecture Lauren Farmer Lauren Citizen scientists touring the Arctic aboard the Russian icebreaker 50 let Pobedy examine a melt pond at the North Pole.

14 // Eos 15 August 2016 Lauren Farmer Lauren

Citizen scientists take a moment to stand “at the top of the world” as they encircle the North Pole.

on sea ice. The sea ice observation program included an ice vations were rapidly made available to both Arctic watch while the ship was in motion, ship-based and aerial researchers and the public. The findings from this and video and photography, and on-ice measurements at the similar cruises can contribute to reports of ice conditions North Pole. and to forecasts of sea ice, and they are generally of interest to people concerned about the state of the Arctic Watching the Ice sea ice cover. The passengers conducted an ice watch while the ship was A rail-mounted camera provided continual video and in ice-covered waters. The team implemented the exact photographs of ice conditions during bridge observations. protocols used by scientists on research cruises, using the Data on ship position, heading, and speed were integrated Arctic Shipborne Sea Ice Standardization Tool (ASSIST; into the video stream; the combination of video and ship http://bit.ly/Ice-ASSIST) to create consistent data sets. speed provides insight into the overall strength of the ice Every 2 hours, passengers viewed the ice from the ship’s pack. In addition, researchers mounted a camera under- bridge and described the ice conditions. They recorded neath a helicopter during sightseeing flights, giving an data, including ice concentration, ice thickness, melt overview of ice conditions. pond coverage, topography, and meteorology. We trained passengers by guiding them through each observation, Walking at the Top of the World using images and help sheets posted on the bridge. Halfway through the cruise, the ship was moored to the sea ice at the North Pole for 8 hours, allowing the passengers a chance to walk on a frozen ocean and enjoy a moment on Passengers recorded data, top of the world. It was also an opportunity for the team to including ice concentration, ice make important measurements describing ice surface conditions, including melt pond characteristics, snow depth, thickness, melt pond coverage, and ice surface properties (see the photograph at the top of page 14). These are all critical components in determining topography, and meteorology. the albedo of the ice cover. There are very few opportunities for in situ observations At all times, members of the expedition team, who of the state of the sea ice cover, and thus this project bene- had received training in advance of the cruises, were fits the science community in a number of ways. Citizen there to inform the observation process and ensure con- scientists aboard cruise ships are providing valuable scien- sistent observations. The data gleaned from these obser- tific information. In this instance, the round-trip cruises

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 15 Expedition cruise industry groups for the Arctic and Antarctic are very receptive to these efforts, developing a stronger focus on citizen science and facilitating research opportunities on board.

they can be integrated with satellite observations. Figure 1 Alex Cowan shows a typical cruise track of the ship and photographs Fig. 1. Photographs of the ice from each cruise, with a representative of the ice from the four cruises. track from Murmansk to the North Pole via Franz Josef Land. These images can be analyzed to determine the seasonal evolution of melt ponds. After the Cruise In addition, this project accomplished a stated aim of the expedition cruise industry: to create a “corps of ambas- provided observations of the spatial variability of the state sadors” who return home feeling connected to the area of the ice cover. We have conducted four of these cruises in which they’ve traveled and who will work to protect to the pole, which adds a temporal component that can the polar regions. On each of the four cruises, a small but follow the ice evolution from early melt through summer remarkably dedicated group of passengers attended most to fall freeze-up. The observations can be used to define or all of the ice watches and enthusiastically participated current ice conditions and inform sea ice models, and in the measurements at the North Pole ice station. Giv- ing them the opportunity to participate in research aided in their understanding of the state of the Arctic sea ice cover, accomplishing the tour operator’s aim of providing an educational and entertaining experience. In addition, some stated that opportunities to take part in scientific efforts would influence their cruise choices in the future. This is a fledgling event, but the expedition cruise and scientific communities have responded favorably. We are now working to expand this effort and have been attend- ing various conferences to present the concept to both the expedition cruise industry and the scientific community. Expedition cruise industry groups for the Arctic and Antarctic are very receptive to these efforts, developing a stronger focus on citizen science and facilitating research opportunities on board. Current efforts are directed at extending this particular project to future summer sea- sons aboard 50 let Pobedy and expanding the effort to include other tour operators, thereby increasing the scope of data collection. A long-term aim is to demonstrate that a diverse range of projects could be incorporated into the itineraries of expedition cruise vessels and that passengers and tour operators are already interested in doing so. This would significantly increase the number of marine research platforms available to the science community, especially in polar regions.

Author Information Lauren Farmer and Alex Cowan, Sea Ice Research Team, Thurlaston, U.K.; email: lauren.e.farmer@gmail.com; Jennifer Katy Hutchings, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis; and Don Perovich, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Hanover, N.H.

16 // Eos 15 August 2016 bioraven/Depositphotos.com Teens and Scientists Come Together at Science Cafés

By Michael Mayhew and Michelle Hall

t the 2006 American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in St. Louis, Mo., we happened upon a session about the “Café Scientifique” approach to engaging the public with science and scientists. Café Scientifique programs—also known as science cafés—combine two essential ingredients. First, they take place in a collegial social setting like a coffeehouse or restaurant Awhere participants can interact with a scientist and each other. Sec- ond, they satisfy participants’ curiosity about a science-based topic via conversation with a scientist. It is this blend of the two interactive ingredients that accounts for the Café Scientifique model’s grow-

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 17 Michelle Hall

Matthew Schauer examines a skeleton, looking for clues on gender, presenters to convey that they are leading particularly age, racial features, and possible cause of death. He checks to see interesting lives in science. We wanted to instill an ap- whether they match any of the profiles on a list of 12 victims provided by preciation of the relevance of all kinds of science to the Amy Wyman (New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner) at a Teen students’ own lives. Café on “The Secrets Held Within a Bone.” Our secondary goal was to help our scientist-presenters learn to effectively communicate the fruits of their own research to the public—especially our particular segment ing popularity—from grassroots beginnings in England, it of the public, which, frankly, many scientists find to be has grown to include nearly 400 organizations around the intimidating! world. We recently completed the ninth season of Café Scien- We thought this was a splendid idea indeed, and it tifique New Mexico (Café NM; http://cafenm.org). As the led us to wonder whether this might be a good way to details of our Teen Café model have been refined through connect science and that hard-to- reach segment of the trial and error over the years, the program has proven public, the high school teenager. With a grant from the increasingly popular with the teens for much the same National Science Foundation (NSF), we began the ex- reason that adult science cafés are popular. periment in four northern New Mexico towns with very Our evaluations tell us that we have been successful. diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and population charac- From the summative evaluation, “analyses indicate teristics: Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Albuquerque, and the that the Café program succeeded at positively influ- tiny town of Española. encing attitudes about science. All the items designed Our primary goal was for the teens to increase their to measure attitudes towards science, scientists, and understanding of the nature of science and to develop a science-based careers showed statistically signifi- realistic perception of scientists and the lives they lead— cant differences between the participant and non- which they typically do not get in school. We wanted to participant groups.” The evaluation results show that get across to the teens that a scientist is a real, complex, teens find interaction with scientists interesting, fun, multidimensional human, like them. We wanted our and ey e-opening—71% of respondents agree that the

18 // Eos 15 August 2016 café has changed their view of the importance of science to their lives.

Teen Science Café Network As a result of the success and maturity of our Teen Café model—and interest in other organizations in starting their own Teen Café programs—we got new funding from NSF to develop a network of such programs around the country. The Teen Science Café Network (TSCN; http://teensciencecafe.org) started its first season with five founding member organizations. Now in its fourth year, the program has grown to more than 40 sites around the country, from Alaska to Florida and Maine to Texas. Each node in the network has applied the model with a delightfully unique

flair appropriate to local institutions and Michelle Hall demographics. Some of the nodes run cafés Neale Pickett (Los Alamos National Laboratory) explored “Cyber Attacks: First Google, in multiple local venues, including muse- Then You?” The teens solved puzzles and competed in teams to “capture the flag” in ums, office parks, community centers, and this Teen Café on white hat hacking and cybersecurity. churches. They have achieved a high degree of diversity by holding cafés where teens are, in the unique ethnic and social environments of their own where students simulate the movements of animals or communities, rather than having attendees travel to a seismic waves. central location. Our Teen Café topics have covered a very wide range, How to Talk to Teenagers (About Science) from belly button biodiversity to cybersecurity to flock- The degree of engagement needed to spark interest in sci- ing behavior of birds to a day in the life of a teen dol- ence topics—especially for the teen audience—is unfamil- phin to corals on acid to emergency room medicine to iar and daunting to many café scientist-presenters, even alternative-fuel cars. Presenters have come from a great those with experience in public speaking. Most have been variety of local institutions, including universities, re- trained to approach science communication in the “in- search labs, and businesses. formation deficit” mode, that is, “stuffing” the audience Most nodes in the network offer cafés on the whole with information they think the audience needs without range of topics in science, engineering, and technology, any attempt to interact and determine whether the audi- but programs may focus on one discipline. For example, ence understands the information or finds it meaningful. the Florida node focuses on ocean science; a new hospital- However, with coaching from the program staff and after based node just coming on will focus on medical science. A some initial trepidation, the scientists typically rise to the program could well have a disciplinary focus in any area of occasion. the geosciences, such as tectonics, hydrologic science, or We begin this process by identifying potential café space physics. presenters within our local science organizations, looking There are other secrets of success associated with the particularly for scientists working in areas that our teen teen audience. One is that the teens achieve a sense of leaders have expressed interest in hearing about. We then ownership of the program through forming teen leader- carefully vet the potential presenters and have informal ship teams at each site. We encourage the teens to lead conversations in which we convey the essential ingredi- all aspects of the program to the greatest extent possible, ents of a successful café. with adults in the background for support. To help the speakers, we provide them with a guidance Another is that although we have deliberately avoided document intended to formally frame the process for pre- holding cafés in schools, we have made a point of building paring and conducting the café sessions. The document relationships with high school teachers, who have proven stresses the importance of knowing the audience. Teens will supportive and helpful in innumerable ways. And a third is readily engage with a presenter on some hot science topic that in every café, we work with the presenter to develop if it is accessible to them; hence, the presentation needs to some sort of activity that the teens can engage in to com- be free of jargon. We encourage presentations organized plement their interaction with the presenter—teens like around one essential provocative idea or concept, where to do stuff. presenters tell a story but leave some mystery in the story. Hands-on activities that actively engage the teens help We also stress that interactivity is one of the most im- to cement the science message. Activities can include portant ingredients of a Teen Café. In a café presentation, examining artifacts to answer a question, handling or communication—meaning two-way verbal interaction, observing live animals, competing in team games like supported by a few simple graphics—is of the essence. A cybersecurity or robotics challenges, and taking Jeopardy- Teen Café—like a classic adult science café—needs to be a like quizzes. Activities can even engage the whole body, conversation, not a lecture.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 19 Practice Makes Perfect We have found that it is highly valuable—and indeed essential—for presenters to do a dry run with a small group of teen leaders before presenting to a full house. This has proven exceedingly valuable in getting the presentations pitched at the right level and the graphics comprehensi- ble. It also serves to overcome a certain intimidation factor for many presenters. The attitude of this presenter about the value of the dry run is typical: “The dry run was immensely valuable. It helped me select appropriate verbiage and content for the presentation. It also helped me gauge the level of de- livery…. After the dry run, I made significant changes to the presentation, including the elimination of confusing content, identification of real-world connections, and simpler examples.” Café NM has had more than 80 presenters. Without ex- ception, they enjoyed and valued their experience engaging with teens, improving and broadening their communication skills. Some have also benefited in an unexpected way: They have come to a new perspective on their own research. As an added benefit, the Teen Café program can be a vehicle for community outreach and for satisfying the “broader impacts” requirements of the scientific funding agencies. As one presenter put it, “The Café experience was beneficial to me as a scientist in that preparing an interactive talk for an audience of young people helped me identify the critical issues in my work: why I was doing it, why it is challenging, what we are trying to accomplish (versus being bogged down in technical details). This really focused my thoughts about my work.”

Expanding the Network Rather than being a collection of static, independent entities, network nodes are part of a dynamic network, a community of practice with active sharing of lessons learned, documents, images, videos, ideas for café topics and formats, expertise in social media, and many other resources. We want the network as a whole to be much greater than the sum of its parts. Any organization wish- ing to start a Teen Café can do so by registering on the Teen Science Café Network website and agreeing to ad- here to six core design principles (see http://bit.ly/TSCN -Principles). We expect the network to grow steadily over the next few years. At the Teen Science Café Network, we have resources to help others start a Teen Café, and it is part of the ethic of the network that existing members will actively help new members start and successfully run Teen Café programs. One member commented, “The commitment by the TSCN program to ‘support and freely share expertise with new groups wanting to start TSCNs’ has been so impressive. Every time I had a question or con- cern about how we might do something or how to make the program work for our specific situation, I heard from several different people. They were extremely generous with their time and very helpful.”

Author Information Michael Mayhew and Michelle Hall, Science Education Solutions, Los Alamos, N.M.; email: [email protected]

20 // Eos 15 August 2016 AGU NEWS

student and early- career positions on the Every Vote Counts: Final Slate Council, and officers of the sections and focus groups to which you belong. for 2016 AGU Elections 2. Read about the candidates for those positions at http://elections . agu . org/. 3. Decide for whom you want to vote, and watch for the email with your log-in information from AGU’s election vendor, SBS, starting 29 August. The log-in email will come from AGU Election Coordinator, mailto:noreply@ directvote.net, and will contain a personalized link for you to vote. Once you are logged in, you will be presented with a menu of all the ballots you are eligible to receive. 4. Cast your votes. You can vote in one log- in session or in multiple sessions. The online voting site will allow you to submit votes one ballot at a time until the election closes on 27 September.

very 2 years, AGU members elect the All members will receive ballots for the Who Is Eligible to Vote? people who will lead the organization for Board (four positions, eight candidates) and All regular and student members who join E the next 4 or more years. These volun- student and early- career positions (two posi- AGU or renew their AGU membership by teer leaders commit to advancing the mission, tions, four candidates). Members will also 1 August 2016 will be eligible to vote in this vision, goals, and core values outlined in receive a ballot for every section and focus year’s election. Please log in to http://sites.agu AGU’s strategic plan. Elected AGU leaders play group to which they belong. .org to ensure that your membership and affil- an essential role in decisions on how to serve iations are up to date. and engage members in AGU. How Long Does Voting Take? Leaders elected this year begin their service Submitting your votes is faster and easier What Information Is Provided on 1 January 2017. They will still be in office than ever with our new online voting site. About Candidates? during AGU’s centennial celebration in 2019, Get a head start on the election before the Each candidate has provided a photo and brief which will recognize the value and contribu- polls open by familiarizing yourself with biographical sketch, including a summary of tions of Earth and space science over the past the ballots now (see http://elections.agu relevant volunteer experience and a short CV. 100 years. The centennial celebration will also .org/) and reviewing the candidate infor- In addition, candidates were asked to reply to a look forward to how Earth and space sciences mation. Once you receive your log-in email specific question about AGU so that voters will continue to add value to society at large, from Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS) at could gain perspective on the candidates’ as well as creating greater awareness and the end of August (check your inbox for views of organizational challenges and oppor- appreciation of Earth and space science among mailto:noreply@directvote.net), just click tunities. policy makers, media, current and prospective the personalized link, select a ballot for The ballot also includes information on funders, and the public. the AGU-wide offices or for one of your continuing volunteer leaders so that voters All regular and student members who join sections or focus groups, mark the candi- have a complete picture of the diversity repre- AGU or renew their AGU membership by dates of your choice, and hit the “submit” sented in the Board, in the Council, and in 1 August 2016 will be eligible to vote in this button. This process will take just a few section and focus group leadership. This year, year’s election. minutes per ballot, especially if you’ve the Governance Committee provided all affili- already read the candidate information ations for continuing Board members and When Do the Polls Open? before logging in. You will also be given an Board candidates as an experiment in con- The 2016 AGU election will be held from option to review the candidate information junction with the Affiliation and Engagement 29 August through 27 September, allowing from the voting site. It’s important to Task Force. Committee and task force mem- members 30 days to vote. Please mark your know that you can exercise your vote for bers believe that this offers a more complete calendar and plan now to cast your votes for just one ballot or for all the ballots you picture of each person’s scientific interests. critical leadership positions. This is a great receive. opportunity for your voice to be heard. How Were the Candidates Selected? What Is the Easiest Way for Members The Governance Committee, chaired by Past How Many Ballots Will I Receive? to Participate? President Carol Finn, selected the candidates There are three types of ballots for the 2016 This year’s election features 110 candidates for for the Board and student and early- career AGU election: candidates for the AGU Board of 55 open positions. That sounds like a lot, but candidates on the basis of recommendations Directors, student and early- career candidates you have the option to vote for only the posi- from current and past volunteer leaders and for the AGU Council, and candidates for sections that matter most to you. Here are some AGU staff. Criteria for selection of Board can- tion and focus group president-elect and sec- tips for navigating the ballots and casting didates included demonstrated leadership retary positions. AGU has a paired-slate phi- votes. skills, experience in dealing with challenges losophy, so two candidates are required for 1. Identify the positions for which are you AGU faces now and will face in the near each open position. are eligible to vote, including the AGU Board, future, and ensuring a diversity of perspec-

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

tives in the composition of the overall Board. This year, the Governance Committee also interviewed potential Board candidates before Apply for the New AGU making its final selections for the ballot. Each section and focus group is responsible for selecting its candidates. Sections and Data Visualization and focus groups determine their own selection criteria and processes for choosing candidates, with assistance from the Governance Storytelling Competition! Committee available on request. Members at large are also given the opportunity via a petition process to nominate additional candidates. However, there are no such candidates on this year’s ballot.

When Will the Election Results Be Announced? As soon as the election closes, the Governance Committee initiates a process to verify the results and notify all candidates. We anticipate that all candidates will be contacted and the results publicly announced in mid-October.

Here’s Your “Voter’s To-Do” List: • Log in to AGU and ensure that your 2016 membership and section and focus group affiliations are current. • Identify the ballots you are eligible to receive, and take a few minutes now to familiarize yourself with the candidates. • Watch your email on 29 August for instructions from AGU’s election vendor, SBS. • Vote and let your voice be heard!

By Carol Finn, Past President and Governance Committee Chair, AGU; email: pastpresident@agu .org Win a chance to go to Fall Meeting and present your story on the NASA Hyperwall. Watch your email on 29 August for instructions from Learn more the competition and how to apply at: AGU’s election http://bit.ly/agu-dataviz-story-contest vendor, Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS).

22 // Eos 15 August 2016 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

How Do Tropical Forests Slow Knickpoints in Rivers? Gilles Brocard Water flows along a knickpoint in the Luquillo Mountains.

igh up on the northeastern edge of Puerto Rico are the Luquillo From this age—about 4 million years ago—they tracked back to Mountains, which rise higher than 1000 meters. Because the determine when uplift initiated and when the river knickpoints H island is sandwiched between the North American and Carib- formed. The authors then calculated that the knickpoints have moved bean tectonic plates, it periodically experiences tectonic uplift. very slowly farther upstream since then. Some rivers in the Luquillo Mountains run on top of an igneous rock They also measured the amount of beryllium-10 in the forest soils. called quartz diorite, on which they developed prominent knick- The concentrations of beryllium-10 indicate the rate of erosion in points—places where the slope of the river increases significantly, areas close to the riverbed. They show that the knickpoints are still converting quiet, meandering streams into tumbling torrents and actively retreating today, at a rate that matches the speed at which mighty waterfalls. These knickpoints represent the front of aggressive they have been traveling since the island was uplifted. waves of erosion that sweep through the landscape. They sharply Finally, the team investigated the factors that affected knickpoint influence soil mineralogy, nutrient pools, forest composition, and retreat. They determined that the tropical, old upland landscape hin- carbon storage. ders the streams’ ability to cut through rock. The hot, humid climate A new study by Brocard et al. investigates how these knickpoints creates thick soils with small grains at the surface via chemical break- made their way upstream through the tropical montane forest. The down of rock into sand-sized particles. Sand is not as efficient a authors first measured the concentrations of the isotopes “tool” for abrading the riverbed. In addition, the gentle slopes in the beryllium-10 and aluminum-26 in quartz sediments deposited in uplands slow retreat; however, jointing or cracking of the rock can caves close to sea level before the mountains were uplifted. The iso- speed up retreat, which is dominated mainly by weathering along the topes can form only when the rock surface is exposed to air, so the rock fractures. (Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, pair, in effect, dates the time of sediment burial. doi:10.1002/2015JF003678, 2016) —Wudan Yan, Freelance Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 23 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Mysterious “Necklace Echoes” in the Sky Explained

o probe the plasma that surrounds Earth, space physicists have a useful tool: radar. Researchers can extract information about T the plasma from reflected radar energy, such as how hot and dense the plasma is and how fast it’s traveling. But for decades, space physicists have been unable to decipher a mysterious type of radar echo coming from the upper wisps of the Earth’s atmosphere at heights of around 150 kilometers. Scientists first detected the echoes in the 1960s, when the then brand-new Jicamarca Radio Observatory opened, just east of Lima, Peru. The echoes tend to appear throughout the day but migrate lower into the atmosphere around noon and then recede upward. When plotted over time, this distinctive signature earned them the nick- name “necklace echoes” or “daytime valley echoes.” More than 50 years after they were first reported, they are still a mystery. Now Oppenheim and Dimant have devised a model that explains many of the phenomenon’s unique characteristics. They propose that the necklace echoes are the end result of a cascading series of interac- Observatory (JRO) Jicamarca Radio tions taking place in the upper atmosphere. The process begins when The Jicamarca Radio Observatory opened in 1961 and shortly afterward made the first the Sun’s ultraviolet rays strike nitrogen and oxygen molecules, vio- observations of the mysterious “necklace echoes.” lently knocking off electrons. These suddenly liberated electrons are much more energetic than the surrounding electrons. Under the far down. The model also explains observations of the echoes disappear- influence of the Earth’s magnetic field, they cause cold ionosphere ing during a solar eclipse and intensifying during a powerful solar flare. electrons to oscillate with enough intensity that they also make waves The authors simulated on 1024 processors how they think necklace among the much heavier ions. Radar scattering off of these heavy echoes form. They show that this chain of events plays out as hypoth- ions generates the 150-kilometer- high echoes. esized. They write that future simulations of this model could reveal This model explains the characteristic necklace or valley shape in more detail the exact kinds of plasma waves and resonances that because the Sun’s rays penetrate deepest at noontime when the Sun is exist, which may explain more specific features in the echoes. (Geo- directly overhead. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the rays physical Research Letters, doi:10.1002/2016GL068179, 2016) —Mark Zas- have to travel at an angle through the atmosphere and don’t make it as trow, Freelance Writer

Chemical Boosts Ozone Production over Southern China

lowing day. Ozone is a potent greenhouse gas dinitrogen pentoxide (7.7 ppbv). The readings and widespread air pollutant linked to also showed elevated concentrations of both decreased lung function. However, because of compounds on six of the 12 nights. the small number and limited extent of ambi- Using a series of models based on these ent measurements made to date, the global measurements, the researchers traced the significance of ClNO2 is still poorly understood. source of the compounds to heavily polluted air To help address this knowledge gap, Wang from major industrial and urban areas to the et al. report the first measurements of ClNO2 north of the study site. Their calculations indi- in the upper planetary boundary layer over cate that the presence of these compounds can the city of Hong Kong and the adjacent Pearl increase peak daytime ozone concentrations by River delta, a region that frequently experi- 5%–16% and can enhance the total production xlibber, CC BY 2.0 (http://bit.ly/ccby2-0) 2.0 CC BY xlibber, ences severe haze and high levels of anthro- of ozone the following day by up to 41%. Smog and Hong Kong’s skyline, seen from Victoria Peak. pogenic pollutants, including ozone. The These results, which are several times team measured the concentrations of ClNO2 higher than previous model calculations, and associated chemical compounds atop emphasize the importance of understanding revious studies have shown that the 957-meter-high Tai Mo Shan, the highest the role of ClNO2 in different environments presence of nitryl chloride (ClNO2), a gas point in Hong Kong, for 12 consecutive nights and including its effects in models that pre- P that forms during the night when partic- in the fall of 2013. The readings included the dict ground-level haze and ozone concentra- ulates containing chloride react with combus- highest concentrations ever reported in the tions. ( Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmo- tion-related nitrogen oxide compounds, can literature for ClNO2—4.7 parts per billion by spheres, doi:10.1002/2015JD024556, 2016) increase the concentrations of ozone the fol- volume (ppbv)—and its chemical precursor, —Terri Cook, Freelance Writer

24 // Eos 15 August 2016 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Can Mangroves Buffer Ocean Acidification? James Sippo Mangroves at Coral Creek, Hinchinbrook Island, Australia.

he burning of fossil fuels, the production of cement, and forests, and their unique location at the land-ocean interface, results industrial-scale agriculture have all contributed to a significant in a large soil reservoir of carbon. The subsequent breakdown of this T rise in carbon in our atmosphere. This ultimately takes a toll on soil carbon can produce alkalinity. Using titration to measure the our oceans, which have absorbed approximately one third of this alkalinity in the mangrove forest waters, the scientists calculated the anthropogenic carbon. When carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water, exchange of DIC, alkalinity, and dissolved CO2 from the mangroves to it decreases pH in a process called ocean acidification. This acidifica- the coastal ocean. tion ultimately harms ecosystems like coral reefs and affects the On average, the mangroves studied put out 59 millimoles of DIC per health of phytoplankton, a food source for many marine animals. square meter per day into the surrounding coastal waters. Scaling up Because alkaline solutions can buffer acidic ones, the phenomenon of these estimates would result in global exports of more than 2.5 × 109 ocean acidification has caused scientists to become interested in moles of carbon per year. The authors also calculated that mangrove alkalinity-producing pathways. forests can annually export up to 4.2 teramoles of alkalinity. One ecosystem in particular is thought to increase alkalinity: man- Overall, the effect of dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity grove forests. Through natural biogeochemical cycling, mangroves are exports from the mangroves caused nearby ocean pH to increase. The known to increase the alkalinity of the waters surrounding these eco- authors believe that this boost in pH from the mangroves is likely to systems. In a new study, Sippo et al. investigate the extent to which have a greater effect in areas with large mangrove coverage. This mangroves can counter ocean acidification. localized effect may have important implications for other tropical The scientists studied the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) content, coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs. alkalinity, and dissolved carbon dioxide in the waters of six pristine According to the authors, this study is one of the most comprehen- mangrove tidal creeks along the northern, eastern, and southern sive assessments of the contribution of mangroves to ocean alkalinity coasts of Australia. The researchers also collected water samples from to date. This new research shows that in addition to all of their other nearby coastal waters to see whether the alkalinity of the mangroves’ important ecological functions, mangroves are one of the greatest waters had a detectable influence on the surrounding area. Plants, like natural sources of alkalinity to tropical coastal oceans. (Global Biogeo- mangroves, naturally cycle carbon, meaning they remove it from the chemical Cycles, doi:10.1002/2015GB005324, 2016) —Wudan Yan, Freelance air and convert it into biomass. The high productivity of mangrove Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 25 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Adapting Weather Novel Technique Forecasting Techniques Finds New Features to Paleoclimate Studies Under the United States

cientists use climate models to understand current climate or the past decade, USArray’s large and dense grid of seismom- conditions, investigate natural processes and the anthropo- eters has gradually collected data on seismic waves across the S genic activities that can affect them, and project future climate F contiguous United States. Using these data, seismologists cal- scenarios. A key challenge is testing the ability of climate models to culate the speed of a seismic wave, which is influenced by the mate- accurately capture the natural variability of climate, which can rial the wave passes through. Variations in these speeds allow dominate long-term climate change on decadal to centennial time- researchers to generate a three-dimensional map of deep-Earth scales. structures that is somewhat analogous to a medical computed Capturing natural variability requires data sets that are suffi- tomography (CT) scan. Such maps chart areas with different compo- ciently long (centuries to millennia) to adequately characterize past sitions or that are especially cold or hot in the Earth’s underlying variations in temperature and other variables. The instrumental crust and upper mantle. record is too short to accomplish this, so researchers rely on proxy As part of a series of studies striving to improve the methods used records from ice cores, tree rings, corals, and other paleoclimate to produce these deep-Earth maps, Shen and Ritzwoller have created a archives. new type of three-dimensional model using a novel technique that They then use a number of methods to reconstruct spatial “fields” jointly inverts data from earthquakes, ambient noise, and other of data—such as precipitation, surface air temperature, and sea level sources collected beneath more than 1800 stations, then projects the pressure—interpolated from the information derived from those results onto a map of the contiguous United States. The high resolu- sparse proxy records. Most such methods rely on purely statistical tion of the new model, which extends to a depth of 150 kilometers, relationships and do not take advantage of physical relationships highlights prominent structural differences beneath the eastern, embedded in climate models. central, and western United States, including the Cascadia Subduc- Here Hakim et al. fuse both sources of information—climate models tion Zone and the and observations—taking a data assimilation technique commonly Snake River Plain in used for forecasting the weather and adapting it to paleoclimate anal- the Pacific North- yses. The results are the first from their National Oceanic and Atmo- west and the Reel- spheric Administration–funded project called the Last Millennium foot Rift in the Climate Reanalysis (LMR). LMR aims to use paleoclimate proxies to Southeast. extend gridded estimates of climate fields well beyond the 150-year The new model instrumental record. also reveals some The results, based on a sparse, preliminary collection of proxy previously unknown records, show good agreement with earlier reconstructions of the features that war- Northern Hemisphere’s average near-surface air temperature. This rant further study, includes an overall cooling trend over the past 2000 years, reversing including three rel- abruptly during the Industrial Revolution, as well as multicentury atively low velocity fluctuations consistent with the nominal Medieval Warm Period and areas in the upper the Little Ice Age. A map of estimated crustal thickness, which is taken mantle beneath the When compared with the 1880–2000 instrumental temperature from the mean of the posterior distribution of models at a Appalachians—one data, the results are most skillful in reflecting the tropics. A com- location. Cool tones represent thicker crust (up to 54 kilo- centered beneath prehensive error analysis was used to quantify uncertainty, includ- meters), and warm tones represent thinner crust. Crustal northern Georgia, a ing verification of the results against independent (not assimilated) thickness is an important attribute of the lithosphere, and second below the proxies. this result illustrates the length scale of the variations Blue Ridge Moun- To demonstrate the advantages of their approach, the authors imaged. tains in western examined the climate reconstructions of the 1808–1809 “mystery” Virginia—and an volcanic eruption, which is known about from ice core records but especially prominent not from direct observations. The results clearly show an abrupt anomaly beneath New England’s White and Green mountains. It is cooling in 1809, which is enhanced by the Pacific/North American intriguing that both the Virginia and New England anomalies are teleconnection pattern. The dynamical conditions revealed by the confined to the shallow mantle above 80-kilometer depth and are analysis are also consistent with those of documented volcanic erup- areas that previous research has tentatively linked to a Cretaceous tions. hot spot track. The results demonstrate the ability of the integrated data assimi- The results of this study, including the new methodology, discus- lation approach to capture climate fluctuations on multiple times- sion of potential error sources associated with the model, and the cales and in multiple climate variables, providing confidence in its improved resolution of these deep-Earth maps, will be an important reconstructions. The approach also demonstrates the potential to reference for other researchers interested in seismic tomography and improve historical climate estimates by combining climate modeling the structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath the United States. with proxy information. ( Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, (Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, doi:10.1002/2016JB012887, doi:10.1002/2016JD024751, 2016) —Terri Cook, Freelance Writer 2016) —Terri Cook, Freelance Writer

26 // Eos 15 August 2016 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Shift in Pacific Sea Level Trends Will Affect the U.S. West Coast WPPilot, CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://bit.ly/ccbysa3-0) 3.0 WPPilot, CC BY-SA

In contrast to earlier trends, sea level has been rising off the West Coast of the United States since 2011, according to a new analysis of satellite altimetry data.

ince the early 1990s, sea level has appeared to be falling in the comparing the outcome. Next, to determine the source of the change, eastern Pacific Ocean and rising faster than the global average in the researchers applied a new statistical analysis to extract the two S the western Pacific. Previous studies linked these changes to leading modes of Pacific sea level variability—one biennial and the winds associated with a long-term pattern of climate variability called other decadal—from these data. The analysis provides compelling the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which has recently been in a “warm” evidence that the observed shift in sea level is largely due to a change phase distinguished by warmer temperatures in the eastern Pacific and in the climate signal linked to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. cooler temperatures in the western Pacific. Because this oscillation has a decadal-to-multidecadal signal, Now, however, Hamlington et al. report the first evidence to suggest the results suggest that the dramatic changes observed over the that this oscillation began to reverse itself in 2011 and, in the process, past 5 years are likely to continue well into the future. On both triggered a dramatic shift in sea level on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, sides of the Pacific, coastal communities will face the economic and causing it to decline in the western tropical regions and rise in the east. societal implications of changing sea levels, including increased If confirmed, this finding could have profound implications for coastal flood and storm surge risk and loss of wildlife habitats. In addition, communities—including the U.S. West Coast, where, for the past communities on the West Coast could see substantially higher sea 20 years, sea level has barely risen while the global average increased levels. Sea levels there have risen roughly 1 centimeter per year, 3.3 millimeters per year. but decadal variability could increase that by an additional The team first identified the shift of the previous 5 years by using 5–10 millimeters per year in the coming decade. (Journal of Geo- satellite altimeter data to compute regional sea levels from 1993, the physical Research: Oceans, doi:10.1002/2016JC011815, 2016) —Terri Cook, start of the satellite record, through both 2011 and 2015 and then Freelance Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 27 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE tenure-line faculty appointment. The INFORMATICS position is at the assistant professor AGU’s Career Center is the main resource for level. It is desired that the selected recruitment advertising. Assistant Professor of Earth and candidate be able to start no later than Planetary Sciences Autumn 2017. For more information The Department of Earth and Plane- about the Energy Resources Engineer- All Positions Available and additional job postings can tary Sciences at Washington University ing Department, see the Stanford ERE in St. Louis invites applications for a web page at http://pangea.stanford. be viewed at https://eos.org/jobs-support. tenure-track Assistant Professor posi- edu/ERE/. tion in the fields of climate, carbon The Department of Energy AGU offers printed recruitment advertising in Eos to cycling, or paleoclimatology. The ideal Resources Engineering focuses on a reinforce your online job visibility and your brand. candidate will study climate or the wide range of activities related to the effects of climate change in modern recovery of the Earth’s energy Visit employers.agu.org to view all of the packages systems and/or over Cenozoic Earth resources (e.g., hydrocarbons, geother- available for recruitment advertising. history. Areas of interest include but mal, and other renewables). The are not limited to: paleoclimatology department has core areas of expertise and records of consequent environ- in computational (simulation and opti- mental change; elemental cycling and mization) and experimental SIMPLE TO RECRUIT associated climate feedbacks; the approaches to energy production. ERE response of terrestrial, marine, and/or offers degrees in both energy resources • online packages to access our Career Center audience freshwater systems to climate change. engineering (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) and The candidate is expected to employ petroleum engineering (M.S., Ph.D.). • 30-day and 60-day options available quantitative tools and ideally will inte- We seek scholars with a Ph.D. in an • prices range $475–$1,215 grate field observations with laboratory engineering or computational disci- measurements. pline who possess novel and innovative CHALLENGING TO RECRUIT The successful candidate is also research capabilities in energy transi- expected to develop a vigorous, exter- tions engineering, renewable energy • online and print packages to access the wider AGU community nally funded research program, main- integration and optimization, and • 30-day and 60-day options available tain a strong publication record, teach renewable resource planning and opti- a range of undergraduate and graduate mization. We envision intellectual • prices range $795–$2,691 courses, advise students, and be active engagement in one or more of the fol- in university service. We are seeking lowing areas: DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT candidates who will complement our Computational approaches for the research programs in biogeochemistry design and dispatch of renewable or • our most powerful packages for maximum multimedia exposure and environmental geology as well as hybrid renewable-fossil energy sys- to the AGU community foster collaboration with environmen- tems 30-day and 60-day options available tal scientists across the Washington Optimal control of renewable- and • University community. flexible-power systems operation • prices range $2,245–$5,841 Candidates must have a Ph.D. with a Energy storage system design, focus in environmental Earth science, including optimization, valuation, and

FREE TO RECRUIT or a related field, at the time of novel technology evaluation appointment, and should send a letter Multi-criteria optimization focusing

• packages apply only to student and graduate student of application, curriculum vitae, state- on challenges associated with novel roles and all bookings are subject to AGU approval ments of teaching and research inter- energy technologies including energy ests, and names and contact informa- generation, land use, water consump- • eligible roles include: student fellowships, internships, tion of at least four references as a tion, materials abundance, and scal- assistantships, and scholarships single PDF to Alex Bradley, Climate ability Search Committee Chair, Department Analysis of technological change, of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Wash- including rigorous modeling of innova- ington University, Campus Box 1169, 1 tion, technology scale-up and deploy- Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, ment or via e-mail: ClimateFacSearch@eps. We will begin reviewing applications Eos is published semi-monthly on the 1st and 15th of wustl.edu. The Department seeks an on September 1, 2016 and will continue • exceptionally qualified and diverse fac- until a suitable candidate is identified. every month. Deadlines for ads in each issue are published ulty; women, minorities, protected To apply, please submit the following at http://sites.agu.org/media-kits/eos-advertising- veterans and candidates with disabili- application materials: cover letter, cur- ties are strongly encouraged to apply. riculum vitae with a complete list of deadlines/. Washington University in St. Louis is publications, a statement outlining committed to the principles and prac- research and teaching interests, the accepts employment and open position advertisements tices of equal employment opportunity names of three references including • Eos and affirmative action. It is the Univer- e-mail addresses, and copies of up to from governments, individuals, organizations, and academic sity’s policy to recruit, hire, train, and five selected papers published in refer- institutions. We reserve the right to accept or reject ads at promote persons in all job titles with- eed journals over the past three years. out regard to race, color, age, religion, Please apply online at https:// our discretion. gender, sexual orientation, gender academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/7416 identity or expression, national origin, in electronic format (pdf only). veteran status, disability, or genetic Stanford University is an equal • Eos is not responsible for typographical errors. information. Applications should be opportunity employer and is commit- received by November 1, 2016 to ensure ted to increasing the diversity of its full consideration. faculty. It welcomes nominations of, and applications from women, mem- Tenure-line Position in Energy bers of minority groups, protected vet- * Print-only recruitment ads will only be allowed for those whose requirements include that positions must be advertised in a printed/paper medium. Resources Engineering at Stanford erans and individuals with disabilities, University as well as from others who would bring The Department of Energy additional dimensions to the universi- Resources Engineering at Stanford ty’s research, teaching and clinical University invites applications for a missions.

28 // Eos 15 August 2016 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

GEOCHEMISTRY Associate or Full Professor of extreme weather events, (2) modeling research activities over the first five Geology the hydrologic response of a stormwa- years of the appointment. Tenure-Track Faculty Position The West Virginia University (WVU) ter system to these scenarios to iden- Areas of research for this position The Geology Department at Wash- Department of Geology and Geography tify the vulnerability of the system, could include physical, chemical, and/ ington and Lee University, Lexington, invites applications for a tenured fac- and (3) optimizing green infrastruc- or biological aspects of hydrology or VA seeks applications for a ten- ulty position in the area of hydrogeo- ture placement to buffer the effects of hydrogeology. Frontier topics of inter- ure-track assistant professor in envi- science at either the Associate Profes- climate change while accounting for est in this field include, among others, ronmental geochemistry starting in fall sor or Full Professor level. Applicants uncertainties in weather patterns over research at non-traditional spatial 2017. PhD required at the time of with exceptional qualifications will be a long planning horizon. Collabora- scales, grand challenges in water appointment. Courses taught by the nominated for the Eberly Family Dis- tions will include the Department of resource sustainability and security, successful candidate will include tinguished Professorship in Geology. Industrial and Systems Engineering at novel measurement techniques and hydrology, geochemistry, and environ- The successful candidate is expected to the University of Tennessee and Oak datasets, and links between the study mental field methods at the majors bring a vigorous program of innovative, Ridge National Laboratory. of hydrological systems and subsurface level, and physical geology at the intro- externally-funded research; build Expected start date is January 1, geology, other portions of the earth ductory level. We seek a dynamic, cre- effective collaborations; and teach at 2017. Applications will be reviewed as system, and/or other disciplines, as ative teacher/scholar, dedicated to the graduate and undergraduate levels. they are received and until the posi- well as other topics. The successful diverse teaching approaches, enthusi- Research on fresh water resources is tion is filled (anticipated middle of candidate is expected to develop a vig- astic about teaching intensive field- currently an area of strategic growth at August 2016 at the latest). Ability and orous research program, attract exter- based geology courses, and able to WVU (http://research.wvu.edu/about) willingness to work in both field and nal funding, and contribute to the develop a strong research program including a new interdisciplinary water laboratory settings is vital. A strong instruction, research, and service including collaboration with under- research institute. We invite applica- computational background is desired, efforts of the department. A Ph.D. in graduates. W&L and the Geology tions from individuals with interests in and experience with the Storm Water earth sciences or a related field is Department value excellence in schol- basic and applied aspects of groundwa- Management Model (SWMM) is partic- required at the time of appointment. arship, meaningful engagement in ter flow. Relevant specialties might ularly beneficial. The Department of Earth Sciences is professional activities, sustainability, include physical hydrogeology; fluid a vibrant interdisciplinary department and the development of a campus cli- flow modeling; hyporheic or vadose University of Minnesota - whose research ranges from geobiology mate that supports equality and diver- zone processes; groundwater-surface Department of Earth Sciences to deep earth dynamics. Alongside our sity among its faculty, staff, and stu- water interaction; flow in fractured The Department of Earth Sciences in commitment to excellence in scholar- dents. W&L is a nationally ranked, media; hydrogeology of energy-related the College of Science and Engineering ship, we seek to further the University highly selective liberal arts college. The activities; groundwater supply and sus- at the University of Minnesota - Twin of Minnesota’s land-grant mission Department (geology.wlu.edu) has tainability; contaminant transport; Cities is soliciting applications for a through developing ties with industry excellent facilities and resources, ecohydrology; multiscale hydrologic tenure-track faculty position in and/or governmental agencies that makes great use of the Appalachians in modeling; critical zone processes; and/ hydrology/hydrogeology at the assis- benefit the needs of our students, the field courses and labs, and belongs to or karst hydrogeology. tant professor level. Exceptional candi- state of Minnesota, and the broader the Keck Geology Consortium. Applica- To apply, please visit http://jobs. dates at the associate professor level community. The Department is in the tions should include: curriculum vitae; wvu.edu and navigate to the position will also be considered. This position N.H. Winchell School of Earth Sciences teaching statement including teaching title listed above as Job Number 03733. will carry with it additional resources (http://www.esci.umn.edu/), which interests/experience; research state- Upload (1) a single PDF file including a from the Gibson Endowed Fund for also includes the Institute for Rock ment; and contact information for 3 statement of research interests, a referees. Apply via email to wilsons@ statement of teaching philosophy, and wlu.edu. Please address to Lisa Greer, a curriculum vitae; and (2) pdf files of Tenure Track Faculty Chair, Geology Department, Washing- up to 4 publications. Please also ton and Lee University. Initial review arrange for three letters of reference to - Sedimentary Geology of applications will begin Sept. 1; we be sent to search chair Joseph J. Dono- The Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications will be available to meet with potential van at [email protected]. for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in Sedimentary Geology, candidates at the fall GSA meeting in Review of applications will commence broadly de ned. We seek a colleague working to understand the chemical, physical or Denver. Review will continue until the on October 15, 2016 and continue until biological evolution of modern or ancient sedimentary systems. We are especially interested position is filled. The University is an a successful candidate is identified. For Equal Opportunity Employer. additional information, please see in applicants who integrate a combination of eld, laboratory, and modeling techniques, http://geology.wvu.edu. and who complement our existing departmental strengths in geobiology, geochemistry, HYDROLOGY WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action and geophysics. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to a diverse research Employer and welcomes applications and teaching community in the Department of Geosciences through the development 2 PhD scholarships studying impacts from all qualified individuals, including of a vigorous, internationally recognized and externally funded research program, and of drought in New Zealand native minorities, females, individuals with through teaching courses in their discipline at the undergraduate and graduate levels. forest disabilities, and veterans. The Department of Geosciences is part of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and The project involves exploring the houses research programs spanning a broad spectrum of Earth Science disciplines (further threat of seasonal drought to kauri and Doctoral Graduate Research Assis- associated southern conifers using a tantship information is available at: http://www.geosc.psu.edu). Applicants must have a Ph.D. in field-based drought experiment. There As the effect of climate change on geosciences or a related eld at the time of appointment. Applicants should submit a cover are two scholarships on offer. The first weather patterns becomes clearer, letter, curriculum vitae, a statement outlining research and teaching interests, and the involves measurement of sap flow and there are major concerns as to names and contact information of three references. All materials must be submitted online. other plant water relations parameters. whether cities are protected against Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2016 and continue until the position is This PhD project will concentrate on the anticipated increasing number of lled. Appointment may begin as early as July 1, 2017. For further information or questions, native tree species including kauri at extreme events. One of the major con- please contact Mark Patzkowsky, Chair of the Search Committee at [email protected]. the University of Auckland Huapai sci- cerns in many urban areas is storm- entific reserve where the drought water management, where climate Apply online at http://apptrkr.com/841651 experiment will be established. The change threatens to overwhelm pipes other project will explore drought mor- that are in poor condition and under- CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to tality mechanisms in southern conifers sized relative to shifting weather. A review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and using field and glasshouse studies. high quality Graduate Research Assis- other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will There will be opportunity to work with tant is being sought to contribute to a also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report. a mechanistic model of the research project funded through the soil-plant-atmosphere pathway sub- National Science Foundation. The Penn State is an equal opportunity, af rmative action employer, and is committed to ject to student interest. The full scope study will focus on: (1) developing a providing employment opportunities to all quali ed applicants without regard to race, color, of each project is negotiable for the novel framework that can incorporate religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected right candidates, subject to fitting into various (and sometimes conflicting) veteran status. the theme of drought in native forest. climate models while accounting for

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 29 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Magnetism, the Limnological Research The University of Minnesota pro- est include (but are not limited to) car- should submit a CV, statement of cur- Center/National Lacustrine Core Facil- vides equal access to and opportunity bon and nitrogen cycling in the ocean, rent and future research plans, a ity/Continental Scientific Drilling in its programs, facilities, and physical-biological interactions, bio- statement of teaching philosophy and Coordination Office, the Minnesota employment without regard to race, mineralization of marine organisms, experience, and evidence of teaching Geological Survey, the National Center color, creed, religion, national origin, sediment biogeochemistry, and the excellence, if available. Letters of rec- for Earth-surface Dynamics, and the gender, age, marital status, disability, impact of global change on marine life ommendation from three to five ref- Polar Geospatial Center. Other affili- public assistance status, veteran sta- and biogeochemistry. The position is erences should be submitted directly ated research units at the University tus, sexual orientation, gender iden- open to candidates who use field, lab, by the recommender, before the include the Saint Anthony Falls Labo- tity, or gender expression. The Uni- and/or modeling approaches at scales application deadline, using a link that ratory and the Institute on the Envi- versity supports the work-life balance ranging from molecular to global. will be provided once the application ronment. The appointee will have of its faculty. Geobiology: We encourage applica- is submitted. access to large-scale computing facili- tions from candidates whose research Information about the Department ties (Minnesota Supercomputer Insti- INTERDISCIPLINARY interests encompass interactions can be found at www.lsa.umich.edu/ tute, Digital Technology Center) and between biology and geology, geo- earth and information about the Pro- the interdisciplinary Water Resources Faculty Positions at the University of chemistry, or hydrology. Specific areas gram can be found at www.lsa.umich. graduate program. Michigan of interest include (but are not limited edu/pite. Materials Required: A one-page let- The Department of Earth and Envi- to) soils, biomineralization, To apply please go to: http:// ter of intent. A CV with a list of publi- ronmental Sciences and the Program in microbe-mediated water-rock interac- apps-prod.earth.lsa.umich.edu/ cations. A statement of research and the Environment at the University of tions, nanoparticles, microbe-metal search16/index.php. Complete the teaching interests. Names and contact Michigan anticipate two openings for interactions, and organic geochemis- online form and upload the required information of three referees who can joint tenure-track assistant professors try. The position is open to candidates application documents as a single PDF address the candidate’s research and for university-year appointments who study any organism (e.g., file. If you have any questions or com- teaching potential. starting September 1, 2017. We are microbes, fungi, plants, and animals), ments, please send an email message to Applications must be completed particularly interested in candidates at all scales (molecular to global, indi- [email protected]. online at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/ whose strengths complement existing vidual to community), and with various The application deadline is Septem- employment/ - search for Job Opening research programs within the Depart- approaches (e.g., isotopic, molecular, ber 8, 2016 for full consideration, but ID: 311335 ment and the Program. spectroscopic). applications will continue to be The review of applications will Biological Oceanography: We The successful candidate is reviewed until the position is filled. begin October 14, 2016. Applications encourage applications from candi- expected to establish an independent Women and minorities are encouraged will continue to be accepted until the dates whose research interests encom- research program and contribute to to apply. The University of Michigan is position is filled. Questions may be pass the role of biology in ocean chem- both undergraduate and graduate supportive of the needs of dual career directed to Prof. Jake Bailey (baileyj@ istry, marine geology, or physical teaching. Applicants must have a couples and is an equal opportunity/ umn.edu). oceanography. Specific areas of inter- Ph.D. at the time of appointment, and affirmative action employer.

NOTICE OF VACANCY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Laboratory for Atmospheric Research Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Position 55848

Washington State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Laboratory for Atmospheric Research (LAR) invite applications for a permanent 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the assistant to associate professor level on the Pullman campus with an effective start date from January 1, 2017 to August 16, 2017. This position is part of WSU’s priority to build a diverse faculty; thus, female and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are sought with expertise in numerical modeling related to air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate change at urban to regional scales. The successful applicant will help lead and grow the WSU AIRPACT air quality forecast system operation. The selected applicant will teach graduate and undergraduate air quality and environmental engineering courses, direct graduate student research, and develop a strong extramurally funded research program. The position requirements include: 1) expertise with urban to regional scale atmospheric chemistry models with applications to air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and/or climate change, 2) a record of research accomplishments demonstrated by peer reviewed publications and/or extramural grants, 3) demonstrated ability to work with diverse, interdisciplinary teams in a collaborative manner, 4) a record of outreach, mentoring, or teaching to diverse student populations, and 5) an earned Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant engineering or science field. In addition, experience using remote sensing and in situ observations to evaluate and improve models and participation in the design and implementation of field campaigns is desirable.

Applicants should apply online at https://www.wsujobs.com by submitting the following: a cover letter, a detailed resume, a statement of research and teaching interests, and a list of five references with contact information. Screening of candidates will begin September 1, 2016, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER.

30 // Eos 15 August 2016 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 31 Postcards from the Field

Hi, Everyone,

We are excited to report that the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Airborne Observation Team has just arrived in Tennessee! In our most ambi- tious year to date, we are conducting aerial remote sensing surveys at 35 of NEON’s terrestrial and aquatic field sites across nine of NEON’s ecoclimatic domains. One of the most satisfying parts of the work is collaborating with researchers from the external science community, including a group of University of Florida ecologists who are collecting coincident field data at sites like the Talla- dega National Forest in Alabama to study plant and microbial diversity as well as map variations in tree growth (see bottom right photo). We look forward to working with more researchers in the field! See our complete schedule for the season, and please feel free to follow the NEON flight operations team as we continue to chase “peak greenness” across the eastern United States (http://www.neonscience.org)! Our next mission: collecting data over the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

—Ivana Vu, Flight Operations, Airborne Observation Platform, National Ecological Observatory Network

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

32 // Eos 15 August 2016 Abstracts Open for Fall 2016 Showcases

Students need to take only What students say about these three simple steps to gain Virtual Poster Showcase: valuable experience presenting “I especially liked that fellow their research. students reviewed posters, as that gave me experience in 1 Submit an abstract critically thinking about the research other students were Upload a poster and doing as well as my own.” 2 accompanying video presentation “It was a really valuable experience for me, and I know I am much Evaluate the posters 3 of peers and receive more ready to participate in a feedback on their own bigger, in-person conference.” poster

Learn more about the biannual showcases: virtualposter.agu.org American Geophysical Union Recognizes the Following Outstanding Scientists in Earth and Space Sciences for 2016

Section and Focus Group Awardees and Named Lecturers

Union Awards, Medals, and Prize Recipients

Union Fellows

honors.agu.org