Special VOL. 99 • NO. 12 • DEC 2018 Issue

CLIMATE CHANGE IN CONGRESS…

…and Other Ways Scientists Are Leading Discussions on Air Pollution, Flood Risks, Mineral Stocks, and More FROM THE EDITOR

This Moment in Time

s geoscientists, we hold unique of people who could be exposed to severe views about time. We stare at road floods (“Millions More Americans Face A cuts, at landscapes, at tiny miner- Flood Risks Than Previously Thought,” als in rocks, and we rewind time, seeking p. 16). And when those disasters play out, the exact scene that unfolded to generate airways clogged with commercial wireless the features we now see. We comb through services could hinder disaster responses data, analyzing, synthesizing, interpolat- (“Wireless Frequency Sharing May Impede ing, and extrapolating so that we can spin Weather Satellite Signals,” p. 13). up models to show us the future. Still more scientists strive toward con- While we look back and look ahead on crete solutions. They create models that minuscule and vast timescales, our feet will help communities to better under- remain firmly planted in the now. We need stand the cascading effects of natural open access to data now to fulfill our call- disasters (“How Landslides Become Disas- ing to thoroughly examine the past and ters,” p. 32). They also band together to future. We need to bring full attention to provide opportunities to refugees with sci- scientific findings now, to prevent irrepara- entific backgrounds who are fleeing disas- ble harm to our society. ters, both natural and political (“New Ini- This issue of Eos focuses on now, on this tiative Aims to Help Displaced Scientists,” Mohi Kumar (@scimohi) moment in time. Regimes openly hostile to p. 3). Interim Senior News Editor science are rising around the globe. State A few, particularly those who study cli- and federal science budgets are being mate and environmental change, have got- slashed; programs and even the very ten creative with getting the message out. vocabularies that capture scientific con- They find allies in politicians who are sensus on climate change and health are poised to assume greater leadership roles threatened with erasure. Many of our col- (“The Push for a Climate Change in Con- leagues worry that we’re sliding into a gress,” p. 20). And they’re succeeding at post-truth world in which facts, scientific spreading their messages to those who rigor, and logical analyses don’t matter. help define popular culture (“Dive into What can scientists do? Ocean Issues with Sherman’s Lagoon,” In the pages that follow, Eos gives snap- p. 37). shots of what we are already doing. In short, researchers are making strate- Some scientists frame their research to gic moves right now to ensure that society exigent concerns, showing how pollution understands, embraces, and acts on sci- already affects cognition (see “Heavy Air ence. Pollution May Lower Cognitive Test Scores” This month, thousands of scientists from on p. 8 of this issue) and accumulates in around the world will gather at AGU’s Fall our bodies (“Microplastics Found in Human Meeting 2018 to discuss their research in Stool,” p. 4). They demonstrate with data the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. As AGU’s that people can simultaneously keep their president reminds us (“Solidarity Among eyes on their pocketbooks and the envi- World’s Scientists Needed Now More Than ronment (“Conserving Riverside Habitat Ever,” p. 19), the very act of meeting en Could Bolster Bottom Lines,” p. 47). They masse here and now sends its own power- provide context about the extent to which ful message. the United States relies on other countries’ That message is simple: Science, sound ­natural resources (“Meeting the Mineral science policy, and the truth matter. And Needs of the United States,” p. 26)—​ with a little strategy, even at this moment ­important information given the current in time, we can share this message with rush toward trade wars. the world. Other scientists offer imminent warnings of clear-cut threats to human lives in the next months or years. They note that gov- ernment models fail to capture two thirds Earth & Space Science News Contents

DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 99, ISSUE 12 FEATURE

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Meeting the Mineral Needs of the United States The U.S. Geological Survey tracks the supply streams of 90 key mineral commodities. Its work pinpoints where the United States is most dependent on mineral imports and highlights ways to reduce this dependence.

PROJECT UPDATE

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How Landslides Become Disasters A new modeling platform, tested on two recent natural disasters, simulates conditions that dump landslide debris into ­rain-​­swollen rivers, often causing more damage than the landslides themselves.

FEATURE

20 Dive into Ocean Issues with Sherman’s Lagoon 22 // Eos December 2018 37 The creator of FEATURE Sherman’s Lagoon talks to Eos about providing The Push for a Climate Change light-hearted entertainment while in Congress weaving in ocean Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) is on a mission to find bipartisan solutions, further facts and larger Democratic goals, and end the dark money that spurs members of Congress to oppose messages about threats to the ocean and its climate measures. creatures.

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

DEPARTMENTS Editor in Chief Heather Goss, AGU, Washington, D. C., USA; [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., José D. Fuentes David Halpern USA; [email protected] Department of Meteorology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pennsylvania State Pasadena, Calif., USA; University, University davidhalpern29@gmail Park, Pa., USA; .com [email protected] Editorial Advisory Board Mark G. Flanner, Atmospheric Sciences John W. Lane, Near-Surface Geophysics Nicola J. Fox, Space Physics Jian Lin, Tectonophysics and Aeronomy Figen Mekik, Paleoceanography Peter Fox, Earth and Space Science and Paleoclimatology Informatics Jerry L. Miller, Ocean 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 Brian C. Gunter, Geodesy Adrian Tuck, Nonlinear Geophysics Kristine C. Harper, History of Geophysics Sergio Vinciguerra, Mineral 16 Sarah M. Hörst, Planetary Sciences and Rock Physics Susan E. Hough, Natural Hazards Andrew C. Wilcox, Earth and Planetary Emily R. Johnson, Volcanology, Surface Processes Geochemistry, and Petrology Earle Williams, Atmospheric Inside Front Cover: 40–45 AGU News Keith D. Koper, Seismology and Space Electricity From the Editor Robert E. Kopp, Geomagnetism Mary Lou Zoback, Societal Impacts Celebrating the 2018 Class of Fellows. and Paleomagnetism and Policy Sciences This Moment in Time. S t a ff 46–47 Research Spotlight Production and Design: Faith A. Ishii, Manager, Production and Operations; Melissa A. Tribur, Senior Production Specialist; Beth Bagley, Manager, Design and 3–9 News Yellow Detritus Branding; Travis Frazier and Valerie Friedman, Senior Graphic Designers New Initiative Aims to Help in the Oceans Editorial: Mohi Kumar, Interim Senior News Editor; Peter L. Weiss, Interim Manager/ May Help Reduce Features and Special Projects Editor; Randy Showstack, Senior News Writer; Displaced Scientists; Micro plastics Kimberly M. S. Cartier, News Writer and Production Associate; Jenessa Duncombe, Found in Human Stool; Huge Blades Warming; News and Production Intern; Liz Castenson, Editorial and Production Coordinator of Ice May Partially Cover Jupiter’s Conserving Marketing: Angelo Bouselli, Marketing Program Manager; Ashwini Yelamanchili, Moon Europa; Lidar Uncovers Riverside Habitat Digital Marketing Coordinator Thousands of New Maya Structures; Could Bolster Advertising: Dan Nicholas, Display Advertising, Email: [email protected]; Heather Cain, Recruitment Advertising, Email: [email protected] Large Exomoon Likely Orbits a Bottom Lines; Faraway World; Heavy Air Pollution Increasing ©2018. AGU. All Rights Reserved. Material in this issue may be photocopied by Radiation Levels May Challenge individual scientists for research or classroom use. Permission is also granted to use May Lower Cognitive Test Scores. short quotes, fi gures, and tables for publication in scientifi c books and journals. For Space Exploration. permission for any other uses, contact the AGU Publications Offi ce. 10–11 Tribute Eos (ISSN 0096-3941) is published monthly by AGU, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, 48–56 Positions Available Washington, DC 20009, USA. Periodical Class postage paid at Washington, D. C., A. F. “Fred” Spilhaus Jr. (1938–2018). and at additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Member Service Center, 2000 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. Current job openings in the Earth Member Service Center: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern time; Tel: +1-202-462-6900; 12 Meeting Report and space sciences. Fax: +1-202-328-0566; Tel. orders in U.S.: 1-800-966-2481; Email: [email protected]. Use AGU’s Geophysical Electronic Manuscript Submissions system A Cross- Sectoral Approach to Tackle Inside Back Cover: to submit a manuscript: http://eos-submit.agu.org. Ocean Plastic Pollution. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily refl ect offi cial Postcards from the Field positions of AGU unless expressly stated. 13–19 Opinion Researchers view the aurorae over Christine W. McEntee, Executive Director/CEO Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Wireless Frequency Sharing May Impede Weather Satellite Signals; Millions More Americans Face Flood On the Cover Risks Than Previously Thought; Credit: timonko/Depositphotos; Solidarity Among World’s Scientists Natata/Shutterstock. Design: Valerie Needed Now More Than Ever. Friedman

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2 // Eos December 2018 NEWS

McGrath, who also is the coordinator of the New Initiative Aims to Help InterAcademy Partnership, a global network of 130 academies of science and medicine, Displaced Scientists said that there might be about 10,000 dis- placed scientists, engineers, medical doctors, and students in those fields among the mil- lions of refugees worldwide and that the numbers could increase with growing con- flicts and other causes of instability such as climate change. McGrath said that the science community can help those displaced keep up to date with current science so that when it is safe for them to return to their own countries, they can make a positive difference there. Although not all of the displaced scientists may want to return to their home countries or be able to do so, the initiative is not meant to be a brain drain, he added.

A Resource, Not a Cost Maria Cristina Pedicchio, president of OGS, stressed that the idea is to provide displaced scientists with opportunities in Italy “but then to support them going back home to rebuild a new, more peaceful national context in their home countries.” She added that politicians and others who

iStock.com/Martin Barraud iStock.com/Martin may be wary of refugees should understand that helping displaced scientists is a ­win-win​­ mong the estimated tens of millions of Geophysics (OGS), Italy’s National Institute for the scientists as well as for host countries refugees worldwide, thousands might for Astrophysics (INAF), and others. that view the scientists as a resource rather A be scientists, engineers, medical doc- than a cost. tors, and students in those fields. A new joint The parties to the initiative by 10 Italian science institutions Looking for Ways to Help hopes to help scientific refugees who have agreement will work “We are looking for ways to be helpful in this been displaced because of conflicts or instabil- type of initiative,” said Giovanni Vladilo, ities in their home countries. together “to identify, director of INAF’s Astronomical Observatory The institutions have agreed to develop enhance and develop of Trieste. Vladilo said that concrete actions research and study opportunities for scientists could include conferring with other astronomy in need, according to a statement issued on professional and scientific organizations about considering special pro- 17 September in Trieste, Italy (http://​­bit.ly/­ grams to help refugees. italy-​ statement).­ expertise of refugees and The new initiative is crucial for the scien- The parties to the agreement will work tists in need and for the broader scientific together “to promote, develop and consolidate asylum seekers.” community, Vladilo added. “It’s important to opportunities and common initiatives to iden- give a signal that scientists are involved in tify, enhance and develop professional and society,” he said. scientific expertise of refugees and asylum The initiative suggests some initial steps seekers,” according to a statement signed by that include identifying the skills of affected A Small Start the institutions, all of which are based in Tri- scientists, establishing research and training The initiative “is a small start,” McGrath said. este and the northeastern Italian region of positions for some affected scientists, and He added that he hopes that the accord can Friuli Venezia Giulia. developing collaborations with other organi- serve as a model for other research centers The parties “will offer opportunities to zations active in this issue, such as the Scholar and universities in Europe or elsewhere. affected scientists to enrich their profes- Rescue Fund, Science4Refugees, and Scholars Beyond that, he said, “What we need is sional skills, to foster their human and pro- at Risk. either a European-­ level​­ or global-­ level​­ clear- fessional development and integration, and inghouse where refugee scientists can regis- encourage their reintegration in their country A Responsibility to Assist ter, can connect, and can find ways to stay in of origin once conditions allow,” the state- Displaced Scientists the scientific system.” ment continues. Science institutions that “The scientific community has a responsibil- signed on to the initiative include the World ity to assist these people,” Peter McGrath, Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy’s National coordinator of the TWAS science policy and By Randy Showstack (@RandyShowstack), Staff Institute of Oceanography and Experimental science diplomacy program, told Eos. Writer

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

93% of water in plastic bottles sampled was Microplastics­ Found contaminated with micro­plastics. Despite the mounting evidence of human exposure to in Human Stool microplastics,­ little research has quantified the risk and the impact. In this new study, Schwabl and his col- leagues chose volunteers from countries ussels, sea salt, and shrimp: These Austria, is another step in what researchers around Europe and Asia and asked them to are just a few of the things that scien- hope will reveal how micro­plastics move keep a food journal. After 1 week, they tested M tists have found riddled with micro­ through the environment. the subjects’ stool using a Fourier transform plastics in the past year. According to research “This is the first study of its kind,” said infrared (FTIR) microspectrometer, which to be presented at a conference in October, Philipp Schwabl, lead author of the study and identifies materials on the basis of the wave- scientists can now add another example to the a physician scientist in the Division of Gas- lengths they absorb. list: humans. troenterology and Hepatology at the Medical They found that every stool sample con- The study tested stool samples from eight University of Vienna. The study, he said, tained microplastics.­ They tested for 10 types healthy adults and found microplastics­ in “confirms what we have long suspected, that of microplastics;­ the stool, collectively, con- every stool sample tested (see http://​­bit​.­ly/​ plastics ultimately reach the human gut.” tained all but one type. ­stool​-­micro­plastics). The research, which “Personally, I did not expect that each sam- was presented at the annual United European The study “confirms what ple would test positive,” Schwabl said. He Gastroenterology (UEG) Week in Vienna, noted that the small sample size limited the we have long suspected, reach of the findings, but statistician Daniela Dunkler at the Medical University of Vienna that plastics ultimately said that it is reasonable to estimate that more reach the human gut.” than half of the world’s population may have microplastics­ in its stool. Dunkler was not involved in the current research. Two of the most common polymers found The Facts from the Feces in the study were polypropylene (PP) and “Plastics are pervasive in everyday life, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). “All par- humans are exposed to plastics in numerous ticipants had PP and PET particles in their ways,” Schwabl said. Previous research has stool samples,” Schwabl added. PP and PET revealed that little flecks of plastic fre- are components of plastic bottle caps and quently end up in our food and water. A plastic bottles. study released earlier this year found that Dinner with a Side of Plastic All of this begs an important question: How Plastic water bottles, which contain polyethylene are microplastics­ making their way into peo- terephthalate (PET), are one possible source of ple’s guts? microplastics­ that enter into water and food Although it is still unclear where exactly streams bound for human consumption. Credit: each fragment came from, Schwabl noted that iStock​.­com/​­EasternLightcraft “it is highly likely that during various steps of food processing, or as a result of packaging, food is being contaminated with plastics. In our study, most participants drank liquids from plastic bottles, but also fish and seafood ingestion was common.” It’s too soon to tell whether these micro- plastic shards could have any human health risks, Schwabl said, because currently there are “no human studies that give answer to this question.” Studies in animals show that microplastics­ can harm intestines, hinder iron absorption, and even make their way into the bloodstream. “Now that we have the first evidence for microplastics­ inside humans, we need further research to understand what this means for human health,” Schwabl said.

By Jenessa Duncombe (@jenessaduncombe), News Writing and Production Intern

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Towering Tall Huge Blades of Ice May Partially Using estimates of noontime temperatures on Europa and the reflectivity of its surface, Cover Jupiter’s Moon Europa among other parameters, the researchers estimate that ice on the moon sublimates at a rate of roughly 30 centimeters per million years. That’s millions of times slower than the uropa, a moon of Jupiter, has long been As sublimation continues, the pits deepen. rate on Earth, mostly because Europa is much heralded as one of the most promising Over time, the cumulative sublimation eats farther from the Sun. At the distance of E places to look for life in the solar sys- away at the ice, creating penitentes with typi- Europa, “the Sun is 25 times less bright,” tem. That’s because it contains an ocean of cal heights of 1–­ 5 meters.​­ Moore said. liquid water beneath its surface that might, Penitentes can last a year or two on Earth, But even the creeping pace at which ice much like Earth’s ocean, be a habitable place. and they’ve even been re-­created in labora- turns into water vapor on Europa is faster than But now scientists have proposed a poten- tory experiments. The New Horizons space- the rate at which Europa’s surface is eroded by tial hitch to safely placing a lander on Europa: craft has also spotted these features on Pluto, charged particles from Jupiter. And because Blades of ice up to 15 meters tall might be where the towering columns are believed to be penitentes form more rapidly than they’re clustered around the moon’s equatorial made of frozen methane. eroded, they should exist on the Jovian moon, region. the researchers reason. These features, which exist in cold, dry These blades could Given that Europa’s surface is about 50 mil- areas on Earth and have been spotted on Pluto, lion years old—on the basis of its relative lack are formed when the Sun’s rays shine on ice, prevent a lander from of craters—Moore and his colleagues estimate causing it to completely skip melting into a that penitentes as tall as 15 meters might liquid and instead turn directly into a gas. exploring parts of Europa. tower over Europa’s equatorial region. Known as penitentes—the Spanish term for “The Sun sculpts these special features in a religious figures kneeling in penance— way that is remarkable,” said Douglas Mac­ because of their appearance, these blades Now Jeff Moore, a planetary geologist at Ayeal, a geophysicist at the University of Chi- could prevent a lander from exploring parts of NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, cago who was not involved in the research. But Europa. Calif., and his colleagues have proposed remarkable or not, the spires themselves another location where penitentes might might not be good news. Penitentes would Remarkable Sculpting form: on Europa. “imply a hazard of attempting to land on an Penitentes are found on Earth in cold and dry “The raw ingredients seem to be there,” equatorial surface of Europa,” Mac­Ayeal said. conditions at tropical latitudes, for example, Moore said. These ingredients include the in the Andes mountains of northern Chile. moon’s icy surface, its cold temperature Awaiting a Flyby They begin to form when a field of ice natu- (between −203°C and −141°C), and the rela- Unfortunately, images of Europa taken by rally develops small pits on its surface. tively constant angle at which sunlight strikes spacecraft aren’t detailed enough to reveal or When the Sun is nearly overhead, its rays it. refute the presence of penitentes. However, preferentially strike the bottoms of these pits, “We hypothesize that penitentes can grow, radar data of the Jovian moon are consistent warming the ice. This warming ice doesn’t and indeed have grown [on Europa],” the with the existence of penitentes near Europa’s melt in a traditional sense: The air is so dry researchers write in their study, which was equator, Moore and his colleagues note. that the heated ice immediately gets trans- published in Nature Geoscience in October Microwave wavelength radar observations of formed into gas in a process called sublimation. (http://bit​­ .​ ly/­ europa​­ -​ penitentes).­ Europa have revealed that its equatorial region tends to reflect less radiation than its higher latitudes. If the moon’s surface is rough near the equator—due to penitentes, for example— that could explain these measurements: The deep pits of these ice blades tend to scatter and absorb radiation. In the coming decade, NASA’s Europa Clip- per mission is expected to put a spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter that will complete flybys of Europa’s surface, and scientists hope that a lander might follow. Moore and his colleagues are looking forward to mining the first data from the Europa Clipper mission, which will skim as close as 25 kilometers above Europa, to look for penitentes. “If they’re there, we’ll see them,” he said.

By Katherine Kornei (email: hobbies4kk@gmail​­ ​ .­com; @katherinekornei), Freelance Science Jour- Penitentes in the Andes mountains in Chile. Credit: ESO nalist

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

Lidar Uncovers Thousands of New Maya Structures

Finely scaled topography stands out in this lidar-­ generated​­ map of Maya settlements north of the ancient city of Tikal, (Top) A photo of the Maya lowland city of Tikal seen from in what is now Guatemala. The large structure on the right is roughly 200 meters wide. Credit: Luke Auld-­ Thomas/​­ ​ above the trees, coupled with (bottom) an image of the ­PACUNAM same view with the vegetation stripped away. Credit: Francisco ­Estrada-​­Belli/​­PACUNAM

team of 18 researchers has now The trick to peeling back dense vegetation mapped more than 61,000 structures in involves lidar’s lasers, which rapidly pulse agriculture, a fact not well understood before Athe Maya lowlands. How? Two words: from low-­ flying​­ planes. These pinpoints of the study. The team also found evidence of airborne lidar. light penetrate tiny gaps between leaves to get elevated roads linking many of the urban cen- The scientists conducted aerial surveys of to whatever may lie below, before reflecting ters, suggesting a closer connection between northern Guatemala, repeatedly flying over back to the aircraft above. With a little pro- cities than previously thought. ­long–abandoned​­ sites of the ancient Maya civ- cessing, scientists can use the time it takes for “Seen as a whole, terraces and irrigation ilization that thrived between 1000 BCE and light to travel and reflect back to reveal precise channels, reservoirs, fortifications and cause- 1500 CE. The lidar data collected from these information about the elevations of the ground ways reveal an astonishing amount of land surveys map in fine detail the ­3-D topography and structures upon which the jungle grows. modification done by the Maya over their of the region, resolving ground features as entire landscape on a scale previously small as 1 meter. The researchers published What they found calls unimaginable,” first author Marcello Canuto their maps and their interpretations of those said in a press release about the project. maps on 28 September in Science (http://bit​­ .​ ly/­ ​ into question many These findings may revise what scholars maya­ -​ lidar).­ believe about Maya economics, population, One such map is the image above. Made of the accepted theories and agriculture, the authors speculate, and the from the lidar measurements, it shows topog- of Maya life. data in hand could fuel more discoveries yet to raphy under the jungle canopy, revealing Maya come. settlements that stood north of the ancient Lidar is “revolutionizing archaeology the city of Tikal in what is now Guatemala. A way the Hubble Space Telescope revolution- smattering of large and small buildings dot The team scanned more than 2,100 square ized astronomy,” coauthor Francisco ­Estrada-​ the hillsides, some of them newly discovered kilometers of terrain in what it says is “the Belli­ told National Geographic earlier this year. in the most recent study. largest single lidar survey of Mesoamerican “We’ll need 100 years to go through all [the Archaeologists can toil for years mapping archaeology.” What they found calls into data] and really understand what we’re see- one ancient Maya site by foot, wading through question many of the accepted theories of ing.” the dense tangle of jungle that blankets the Maya life, the authors explain. region. But with lidar instruments, scientists For example, evidence of extensive agricul- can map in fine detail, from above, buildings tural practices, from terraces to modified ter- By Jenessa Duncombe (@jenessaduncombe), hidden beneath the undergrowth. rain, hints at a civilization intimately linked to News Writing and Production Intern

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ing time on Hubble, then got to work meticu- Large Exomoon Likely Orbits lously scrutinizing the data. a Faraway World Anomalies in Timing and Brightness Teachey and Kipping found that two aspects of the transit data from Hubble were consistent with their exomoon hypothesis. First, the team of astronomers has announced If future observations validate this hypoth- planet transited the star 1.25 hours earlier new evidence supporting the existence esis, the exomoon candidate, tentatively than expected on the basis of the orbital A of an exomoon in orbit around a dis- dubbed Kepler-1625b-i,­ will be the first moon period measured by Kepler. “That is indicative tant exoplanet. detected around a planet outside of our solar of something gravitationally tugging on the “Within our solar system, satellites are system. planet” during this particular transit, Kipping abundant,” said David Kipping, assistant explained. professor of astronomy at Columbia Univer- Two Telescopes, One Target If a moon did exist, he continued, the posi- sity in New York. “We have long assumed The planet, called ­Kepler-1625b, first came to tion of the moon in its orbit about the planet that when it comes to exomoons, the ques- the researchers’ attention as a possible exo- could help explain why the timing of the Hub- tion is not if they exist but, What are the moon host in 2017 after they analyzed data ble transit differed from that of the Kepler physical properties of such a population?” from the Kepler Space Telescope. Kepler data. Imagine the influence of the moon to be Kipping, who has been hunting exomoons for observed three transits of the Jupiter-­ sized​­ like pushing someone on a swing: Depending nearly a decade, coauthored a Science Advances world during its primary mission. The planet, on when you push, the direction of your push, research paper that announced the discovery about 8,000 ­light-​­years from Earth, takes and where you’re standing when you do push, on 3 October (see http://​­bit​.­ly/​­teachey​ about a year to orbit an old star that is slightly you (the moon) could make the swing (the -­exomoon). larger and more massive than the Sun. planet) move faster or slower or not change Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), The Kepler data contained hints—subtle speed at all. the team observed a ­Jupiter-​­sized planet as it blips in the host star’s emitted light that were Second, the Hubble observations of the transited its host star and blocked a fraction slightly offset from the planet’s signal—that host star’s brightness showed two dips in of the star’s light. It found that the timing, an exomoon might be orbiting the planet. brightness instead of just the one from the shape, and strength of the planet’s transit ­Kepler-1625b​­ was the only planetary system planet. “The location, shape, and depth of showed peculiarities that strongly suggest out of nearly 300 viable targets that showed this event appear consistent with a ­Neptune-​ that it hosts a Neptune-­ ​­sized moon. any hint of a moon. ­sized moon [also] transiting in front of the “We are looking forward to the scrutiny of The preliminary results from Kepler were star,” Kipping said. The team also saw this the scientific community on this work,” said tantalizing enough for the team to observe a secondary dip in the star’s light in some of lead author Alex Teachey, “and we hope that fourth transit in October 2017 using HST. the Kepler transits. we will have an opportunity to observe the Hubble provided a fourfold improvement in The team compared its data with outputs target again before too long.” Teachey is a precision over Kepler for this star and also from a variety of transit models—some that graduate student in the Department of made observations at infrared wavelengths. included or excluded exomoons and some Astronomy at Columbia University. The team obtained about 40 hours of observ- that included or excluded other exoplanets. “We have tried our best to rule out other possibilities such as spacecraft anomalies, other planets in the system, or stellar activity,” Kipping said, “but we are unable to find any other sin- gle hypothesis that can explain all of the data that we have.” “The combination of Hubble data with the Kepler data is really an essential part of the moon search,” Teachey said.

Moon of a Surprising Size The exoplanet-­ exomoon​­ system suggested by the new observa- tions has mass and radius ratios similar to those of the ­Earth-​ ­Moon system but that are scaled up by a factor of 11. If you were on a spaceship flying through the planet’s atmosphere, the exo- moon would appear to be around Artist’s rendering of the Jupiter-­ sized​­ exoplanet Kepler-­ 1625b​­ with its hypothesized Neptune-­ sized​­ moon, Kepler-­ 1625b-i.​­ Credit: Dan twice as large in the sky as our Durda Moon does, Teachey explained.

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

Heavy Air Pollution May Lower Cognitive Test Scores

eteriorating air quality around the also supplied researchers with background globe has long been linked to declines information on test participants such as where D in physical health, including lung can- they have lived and for how long. cer, heart disease, stroke, and overall life By isolating these individual factors, the expectancy. Now new research published in researchers could classify a benchmark value Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of for each group. Assuming that a person’s the United States of America suggests that high scores started at the benchmark when they levels of pollution can lead to a decline in cog- were young, the researchers began to ponder nitive ability too (see http://bit.ly/zhang- the factors that could have led to changes in a 2018). person’s cognition over time. The study analyzed scores on cognition tests Given respondents’ age distribution as well Artist’s impression of the exoplanet Kepler-­ 1625b​­ (larger taken by nearly 32,000 participants across as the spatial distribution of scores over much black dot) and its potential exomoon (smaller black dot) China, searching for demographic trends that of China, the factor the researchers kept cir- transiting their host star. In this rendering, the planet and may be associated with pollution levels. And it cling back to was air pollution. moon orbit the star from left to right. New data from HST found them. first showed a dip in the star’s brightness as the planet “Long-term exposure to air pollution Pollution on the Brain transited the face of the star. This dip was followed by a impedes cognitive performance in verbal and Personal experience led Zhang to consider the second, smaller dip, which the team attributed to a math tests,” Xiaobo Zhang, lead author on the health effects of air pollution. Zhang told smaller exomoon. Credit: Dan Durda study, told Eos. Zhang is a professor at the Eos that when he returned to China from the National School of Development at Peking United States in 2012, he immediately began The team was surprised that a ­Neptune-​ University in Beijing and a senior research fel- experiencing headaches and found it hard to ­sized moon seemed to orbit a ­Jupiter-​­sized low at the International Food Policy Research concentrate on research on days when Beijing planet. Moons in our solar system formed as Institute in Washington, D. C. had heavy air pollution. ­by-​­products of a collision (like our Moon), by “The negative impact on verbal scores was Past studies, the team notes in the paper, the capture of asteroids or other objects (like more pronounced for men than women,” he had looked at how air pollution affects chil- the moons of Mars and Neptune), or as left- said. “The damage increases as people age.” dren’s test scores in school, so Zhang won- overs of planet formation (like Jupiter’s Gal- The researchers note that most cities in dered whether the effects were the same for ilean moons). A ­Neptune-​­sized moon around developing nations, including China, fail to everyone. He became curious about how low a ­Jupiter-​­sized planet does not fit any of meet international air quality standards, so air quality might affect different subpopula- these formation scenarios, the team said. this study may have implications beyond Chi- tions in China. Do air pollution’s effects differ “A moon like this is not necessarily read- na’s borders. for older populations, for men and women, or ily explainable,” said Teachey. However, “The damage to cognitive ability by air pol- for those who work primarily outdoors? “you certainly can’t rule it out on those lution also likely impedes the development of So Zhang instructed his team to learn more grounds, because nature makes all sorts of human capital,” Zhang explained. “Therefore, about air pollution at the locations and times things that we are still struggling to a narrow focus on the negative effect on that the CFPS tests were administered. The explain,” he said. health may underestimate the total cost of air survey fortuitously recorded the precise times pollution.” and locations of the tests, which the research- Cautious Optimism ers used to gather local air quality data for the The ­exomoon-hunting​­ team received media Sifting Through Scores testing period. Specifically, the team exam- attention in 2017 when its planned observa- Zhang’s team mined cognition test results ined each location’s air pollution index, a met- tions appeared on Hubble’s public schedule. gathered in 2010 and 2014 by the China Family ric recorded by the Chinese Ministry of Ecol- This sparked unsupported claims that the Panel Studies (CFPS), a national demographics ogy and Environment that accounts for levels team was more confident in a ­Kepler-1625b​­ survey conducted by Peking University. of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and inhal- moon than they had said. Among other questions, the survey included able particulate matter smaller than With this paper, “we are urging caution 24 standardized math questions and 34 word 10 micrometers, such as smog, smoke, ash, here,” Teachey said. “The first exomoon is recognition questions of increasing difficulty. and dust (see http://bit.ly/air-quality-index). obviously an extraordinary claim, and it Responses to the survey, gathered from 162 requires extraordinary evidence.” The counties spread over China, are representative High Pollution, Low Scores researchers hope to observe the May 2019 of the Chinese population, according to CFPS. Several areas in China are hot spots of poor air transit of Kepler-­ 1625b​­ with HST to further Demographic data collected with the survey quality as defined by the air pollution index. test their exomoon hypothesis. allowed researchers to group participants on The country’s northeastern coast from Shang- the basis of personal factors like age, sex, and hai to Beijing, in particular, has consistently education level, which in China likely deter- been a source of unhealthily high pollution. By Kimberly M. S. Cartier (@AstroKimCartier), mine whether a person works predominantly Most research into the cognitive impacts of Staff Writer outdoors and breathes unfiltered air. The data air pollution “have focused on the U.S. or

8 // Eos December 2018 NEWS

also found that pregnancies and infants, it expands our 1 week of exposure understanding into pollution’s cognitive saw a roughly 0.3- impacts on other groups. He added that future point drop in verbal work should also seek to account for personal scores, but 3 years of behaviors, like smoking, which may affect exposure saw a 1.1- cognitive performance. point drop. Men’s verbal test Reduce Air Pollution to Save scores dropped nearly Cognitive Function twice as much as Cognitive decline with age, the team notes, is women’s after 3 years a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, which of exposure to heavy costs hundreds of billions of dollars in health pollution when com- services each year and affects almost 2% of the pared to the bench- adult population over 65. “The damage to the mark. For men, but aging brain by air pollution likely imposes not women, the substantial health and economic costs,” the decrease in verbal team writes, “considering that cognitive func- cognition after expo- tioning is critical for the elderly for both run- A person wears a mask to protect against heavy air pollution outside the Palace sure to heavy pollu- ning daily errands and making high-stakes Museum in Beijing, China, on 5 January 2017. Credit: Kyodo News/Getty Images tion was more pro- decisions.” nounced with Reducing air pollution in China to meet the increasing age and air quality standards published by the U.S. Europe, where ambient air pollution levels are even more so for men with less than a middle Environmental Protection Agency could relatively low,” said Dave Marcotte, a profes- school education. Men’s and women’s math increase verbal scores by 2.41 points and math sor of public administration and policy at scores dropped roughly the same amount in scores by 0.39 point nationwide in future pop- American University in Washington, D. C. each age group in those with the highest ulations, the team estimated. Had these stan- “Because China has relatively high levels of air exposure to pollution. dards already been in place, men older than 64 pollution, it is a setting highly relevant for The researchers speculate that the differ- who have been exposed to long-term heavy other parts of the globe, including south and ence between men’s and women’s verbal pollution might have seen average verbal southeast Asia and urban areas in Africa.” scores corresponds to differences in how white scores more than 9 points higher than cur- Marcotte, who was not involved in this and gray matter are activated in men’s and rently reported, or the equivalent of moving research, has studied educational impacts of women’s brains during testing. Past from the median score to the 87th percentile. air pollution. research has shown that white and gray mat- “Investment in cleaning up air pollution is When mapping these locations to test ter, used for more verbal and more math cog- good not only for health,” Zhang said, “but scores, the researchers found that overall, nition, respectively, have different sensitivi- also for the intellect of society at large.” lower verbal test scores matched times with ties to air pollution. heavy air pollution, regardless of age, sex, or Marcotte called this research “an excellent education level. This effect was stronger than and convincing study.” He explained that By Kimberly M. S. Cartier (@AstroKimCartier), what was seen in math scores. The researchers unlike previous research focused mainly on Staff Writer

Mercury Mission Will Map Morphology and Measure Magnetics Read it first on http://bit.ly/Eos_mercury-mission Articles are published on Eos.org before they appear in the magazine. What’s Your Superpower? Science Communication Visit https://eos.org daily for the latest news and perspectives. http://bit.ly/Eos_superpower Making Sense of Landslide Danger After Kerala's Floods http://bit.ly/Eos_landslide-danger U.S. Mint Unveils Design for Special Apollo 11 Coin http://bit.ly/Eos_Apollo11-coin Better Data for Modeling the Sun's In uence on Climate http://bit.ly/Eos_Sun-climate Helping Geoscience Students Thrive in Graduate School http://bit.ly/Eos_geoscience-grad-students

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

third leg to the stool, one from which AGU A. F. “Fred” Spilhaus Jr. could give back to the broader community. The education, public affairs, and public (1938–2018) information programs became that third leg. With the help of thoughtful members, a public policy effort took shape. Fred had e was big- Early in Fred’s tenure as AGU’s executive seen such activities become divisive in other ger than director (1970−2009), he attended a confer- organizations when politics rather than pol- “H life.” “His ence for society managers at which a icy took over. Thus, AGU’s public affairs legacy will not soon be speaker talked about the importance of program became firmly rooted in providing forgotten.” “He left a reducing the financial threshold for mem- solid scientific information that could be lasting mark on all he bership so that more could join. The princi- used by decision makers in legislative and touched.” These sen- ple was to have a low entry fee and then regulatory entities rather than a program timents, which are charge for the products and services mem- that lobbied for particular legislation. The often spoken about a bers used. Fred was so struck by the concept first public policy statement adopted by recently deceased that for more than 3 decades—until his AGU, issued in 1981, dealt with the impor- Alik Ismail-Zadeh individual, can seem retirement—he was able to convince the tance of underlying scientific principles A. F. “Fred” Spilhaus Jr. like clichés. Council (today’s Board of Directors) to keep when Earth science was being taught at the But for A. F. “Fred” dues at $20 for members and to reduce and precollege level. Spilhaus Jr., executive director emeritus of maintain dues for students at $7. Fred had a Having clear guidelines for how policy AGU, who died on 30 April just 3 weeks shy strong numeric base for keeping the dues statements would be prepared was critical to of his eightieth birthday, they are far from low: The dues must always cover the incre- maintaining AGU’s position as a learned just words. mental costs of serving an average member; society. The guidelines ensured that mem- Those who were fortunate enough to they always did. bers had the means to provide input to the know and work with Fred may speak of his policy statements before they were final- vibrant personality, his strong work ethic, Fostering an International Organization ized. his generosity with ideas, his seemingly When Fred joined the staff of AGU, he Fred was also a great believer in the unflagging energy, or his attraction to good became an employee of the National Acad- importance of having strong national and food and wine. And Fred embodied all of emy of Sciences. AGU had been founded that. within the academy as the U.S. national However, those committed to the committee for the International Union of advancement of science know that there are Geodesy and Geophysics. Only U.S. resi- fathoms more. Fred held an unwavering dents could be full voting members of AGU passion for AGU and was deeply dedicated to because each member was also a member its members. of the committee; others were classified as When asked, shortly before his retire- associates and could not vote or hold ment, what he felt was most important office. among his contributions to AGU, Fred noted, When AGU was “invited” to leave the “the openness of AGU and the ability for academy and it became a separately incor- anyone involved in the Earth and space sci- porated nonprofit organization in 1972, ences to join and stay a member. Of equal Fred thought it would be good to get rid of importance to me is the fact that AGU the ­two-​­tiered approach to participation. always puts the integrity and quality of sci- Although the Bylaws Committee put for- ence first.” ward a document that eliminated all geo- graphic distinctions, before adopting the A Commitment to Communication proposed bylaws the Council reinserted and to Keeping Dues Affordable U.S. residency as a condition of holding Fred held three degrees from the Massachu- the office of president. setts Institute of Technology, including a Five years later, when Canadian J. Tuzo Ph.D. in physical oceanography. After a Wilson was nominated as a candidate for short stint as an analyst for the CIA, he was AGU’s ­president-​­elect, no one checked the hired in the summer of 1967 by AGU to be bylaws. Tuzo won the election. So that he assistant executive director. could serve, a special election to change One of his early assignments was to make the bylaws was held, and the last vestige of the stodgy quarterly Transactions, American AGU’s being a U.S. society was removed by Geophysical Union into a monthly magazine, vote of the membership. which he did with the January 1969 issue, adding Eos to its title. Ten years later, Eos The Importance of Giving Back became a weekly tabloid newspaper. Fred AGU had strong publications and meetings A painting of Fred Spilhaus, executive director of AGU served as editor in chief of Eos for 40 years. programs, but Fred said there needed to be a from 1970 to 2009. Credit: AGU

10 // Eos December 2018 TRIBUTE

regional scientific societies. He saw a arguments. He never took arguments per- worldwide network of such societies serv- sonally and never held a grudge. ing the advancement of science at local, Fred had the greatest respect for his The International national, and international levels. predecessor, Waldo Smith, and frequently Continental Scientific Although he wanted AGU to be welcom- said that he was glad to have had a ­3-​­year Drilling Program (ICDP) ing to all Earth and space scientists and apprenticeship under Waldo’s tutelage. students anywhere in the world, Fred did When Fred was nearing retirement and Call for Proposals not want the size and success of AGU to the AGU officers insisted that he have his The International Continental Scientific Drilling keep other societies from developing. He likeness painted, Fred refused to have it Program, ICDP coordinates and supports gave unstintingly of his advice to the lead- hung until a portrait of Waldo was painted multinational endeavours in continental scientific ers of other organizations and helped to and hung first. Fred’s last official act as drilling. The program focuses on challenging lend AGU’s resources for the good of oth- executive director was to host a small themes of global geoscientific importance ers. As new societies got started, it was reception of members in the Washington, underpinning socio-economic challenges, common to hear their leaders explain their D. C., area to unveil Waldo’s portrait. including climate & ecosystem evolution, sustainable georesources and natural hazards. programs with “you know, it’s like AGU’s” In 2010, Fred was delighted to receive Chapman Conferences or Macelwane the AGU tribute that had been named for With this announcement, the ICDP invites Medal. his mentor: the Waldo E. Smith Medal. It Earth scientists to submit pre-proposals, is perhaps fitting that Fred was one of the workshop proposals and full proposals in which A Strong Leader last to receive the medal before it was des- drilling is required to achieve critical research Fred’s mantra was “There is no end to the ignated an award. goals. This call is open to investigators from good you can do if you don’t care who gets ICDP member countries (Austria, Belgium, the credit.” He had an uncanny gift for lis- A Lasting Legacy China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ger- many, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, New tening to what members were saying, Many of us who saw the energy and pas- Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, especially in committee meetings, and was sion Fred devoted to supporting the vol- The Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United quick to figure out how to shape those unteer leaders, especially during difficult States of America) as well as from countries thoughts into a policy, an action, or even a financial times, know that AGU would not considering membership in the ICDP. new direction for AGU. Fred brought the be as strong as it is today if Fred Spilhaus mind-set of a scientist to analyzing prob- had not answered the call and made AGU Please note that ICDP provides operational lems and developing solutions. his life’s mission. Today’s members and support and allocates co-funding for drilling- He loved being in the midst of the action, leaders can count themselves fortunate related costs only; research grants for the project should be sought from national but he didn’t seek to be the center of atten- that Fred had broad shoulders on which or other funding agencies. This concept tion. He had no need for personal aggran- they could stand. of commingled funding and international dizement. Those who experienced his Fred Spilhaus—scientist, executive, cost sharing, in addition to an exchange of infectious laugh or shared in his joy in a mentor, man of courage, bon vivant, col- technological capabilities and expertise, has good story, especially a ­self-deprecating​­ league, friend—turned his zeal for defend- proven very successful. one, may be unaware that Fred relished ing the integrity of science and for advanc- solitude, in which he could recharge his ing our understanding of Earth and space In the proposal evaluation process ICDP batteries. into a career that enriched individuals and will consider scientific quality and global relevance, technical and financial aspects as He was a man of strong opinions; this organizations around the world. Although well as equality, gender and contribution of meant that Fred didn’t always see eye to his legacy will remain, the man who built it early career scientists. eye with everyone in the various walks of will be sorely missed. his professional life. Fred appreciated that ICDP aims to foster joint projects with the others held passionate views that differed International Ocean Discovery Program and from his own. He enjoyed intellectual By Judy C. Holoviak (email: jholoviak@gmail​ therefore cordially invites project proposals sparring and having ­well-​­founded, civil .com), former Deputy Executive Director, AGU in which coordinated drilling on land and at sea is required or land-sea transect drilling series are planned (“amphibious projects”). Joint project proposal submission will be accepted by both programs at their respective Join AGU for an informal gathering deadlines and will be jointly evaluated. Detailed information on the scope of the during Fall Meeting 2018 ICDP, the submission of proposals, proposal format, the process for developing a successful to honor Fred’s life and work. proposal, the grant conditions and the evaluation process is available at: 9 December from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. www.icdp-online.org/proposals. The deadline for submission of all proposals is Renaissance Hotel January 15, 2019. Please, submit a single file 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 of less than 10 MB size according to the guide- Room Congressional B lines via e-mail to the ICDP Program Office using: [email protected].

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 11 MEETING REPORT

break down into smaller microplastics and A ­Cross-​­Sectoral Approach nanoplastics. The effects of these breakdown products, along with particles originally pro- to Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution duced as microplastics, are poorly understood. Other key knowledge gaps include the effects Plastic in the Oceans: Challenges and Solutions of bioaccumulation of plastics in food webs Cambridge, United Kingdom, 7 March 2018 and potential effects on human health. Workshop participants concurred that innovative approaches and systemic changes are required to achieve the goal of zero plastic waste, end the existing “throwaway culture,” and move from a linear ­production-​­to-​ ­disposal system toward a circular economy. Delegates presented solutions that embrace science, including replacing plastic with natural materials and biopolymers; green chemistry and fiber engineering; chemical recycling of end of life plastic into virgin materials; and reducing pollution via ocean cleanup schemes, including wastewa- ter screening, collaboration with the fishing community, and robotic and floating waste collection technologies. Workshop participants identified a number of priorities for action, including the need for coherent, clear, and simple scientific mes- sages for politicians, the public, and other stakeholders; the creation of best practices guidelines for monitoring the marine ecosys- tem; and the establishment of appropriate certification schemes. The workshop highlighted the value of ­cross-sectoral​­ engagement and collaboration in finding solutions to the global issue of An Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) is entangled in plastic fishing netting at Bird Island, South Georgia, South ocean plastic pollution. Workshop partici- Atlantic Ocean. Research team members removed the netting shortly after this photo was taken. Credit: Claire Waluda pants agreed that to tackle the problem effectively, we need to move beyond the tra- ditional “­science-​­policy interface” to a net- lastic plays a vital role in our lives; how- Plastic pollution is a truly global issue— work of scientists, industry representatives ever, plastic waste is a burgeoning envi- floating garbage patches have been observed (large to small scale), nongovernmental P ronmental, social, and economic prob- in all five subtropical oceanic gyres. The work- organizations, and policy makers working lem across the globe. The estimated 8 million shop highlighted that plastic is now prevalent together toward solutions. They emphasized metric tons of plastic entering the oceans even in areas far removed from human habi- that to genuinely change the system, these every year pose one of the greatest ­modern-​ tation. Attendees raised concerns regarding solutions must embrace science, encourage ­day threats to the health of global marine eco- the levels of plastic debris in the polar regions industry innovation, and be amenable to pol- systems. A great deal of relevant research and and their potentially profound effects on Arc- icy facilitation. progress is currently under way, but effectively tic and Antarctic ecosystems. A comprehensive report from this work- addressing ocean plastic pollution requires a shop is available at http://​­bit​.­ly/​­plastics​-­in​ multidisciplinary and collaborative approach -­oceans. with engagement from a wide range of sectors. Plastic pollution is a truly We thank the British Antarctic Survey Last March, the British Antarctic Survey global issue—floating (BAS), Cambridge Conservation Initiative, and convened a 1-­ day­ workshop to address these Cambridge Cleantech; the workshop organiz- issues and identify potential solutions. More garbage patches have ing committee; the BAS Plastics Group; BAS than 160 delegates attended, representing students for documenting the proceedings of academia, media, nongovernmental conserva- been observed in all five the meeting and helping with the event; and tion and policy organizations, and industry. subtropical oceanic gyres. all workshop participants. About a quarter of the delegates attending were representatives from international com- panies, small businesses, and ­start-ups.​­ The By C. M. Waluda (email: clwa@­ bas​­ .​ ac­ .​ uk;­ aims of the workshop were to identify knowl- Workshop participants recognized that @­ clairewaluda),­ R. D. Cavanagh (@­ RachieCav),­ edge gaps, explore solutions, and highlight although the impact of large-sized plastic and C. Manno (­@­claramanno), British Antarctic future actions on ocean plastics. debris is well documented, large pieces can Survey, Cambridge, U.K.

12 // Eos December 2018 OPINION

information essential for effective responses Wireless Frequency Sharing May to hazardous and extreme weather, flooding, fires, and other dangers. In other words, such Impede Weather Satellite Signals disruptions could decrease the accuracy and precision of weather forecasts and warnings, impeding the work of disaster responders and putting lives at risk.

Will We Hobble Our Newest and Best? NOAA recently launched the first two of four satellites in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite–­ R​­ (GOES-­ R)​­ series, designed to conduct imaging of the Americas into the 2030s. The primary instrument for weather monitoring on these satellites, called the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), can image a full hemisphere of the planet every 15 minutes [Schmit et al., 2017] and capture localized imagery up to every 30 seconds for monitoring regional severe weather.

Disruptions could decrease the accuracy and precision of weather forecasts and warnings, impeding the work of disaster responders and putting lives at risk.

Although ABI is essential for specialists who Black lines mar this 17 August 2015 image of Earth from the GOES-­ 15​­ weather satellite wherever data were irretriev- produce warnings and forecasts that help pro- ably lost to radio frequency­ interference during transmission. A GOES imager records data as it scans across the plan- tect life and property, it also provides weather et’s face and then transmits the data to ground stations in the same sequence. In this view, mainly of the Pacific Ocean imagery for television weather broadcasts and with overlying clouds, colors indicate temperatures, from red (warmest) at the ocean or land surface to progressively online animations. Such frequent imaging cooler and higher-­ altitude​­ clouds, shown in yellow, blue, and white. Credit: CIMSS/SSEC from ABI is one of the major improvements that the ­GOES-R​­ series of spacecraft provides compared with previous satellites. an you hear me now?” requests would allow new wireless users into ­GOES-R​­ satellites also deploy space weather Verizon Wireless created its pop- the lowest quarter of the allocated band that instruments, a lightning mapper, and a host “C ular television ads years ago to spans from 1,675 to 1,695 megahertz. of communications channels that retrieve and highlight the commercial value and public The advanced NOAA satellites, each disseminate ground and satellite observations. interest in wireless voice and data access designed to last 10 years in a mission expected For the data that ­GOES-R​­ satellites collect across the United States. Today, as the number to span most of the next 2 decades, enhance a to reach operational meteorologists, scien- of wireless users across the nation and their ­long-standing​­ method of delivering weather tists, and emergency managers, the spacecraft appetite for more and faster data continue to data. The satellites’ wireless broadcasts to communicate on four channels at central fre- grow, government initiatives that wireless receiving antennas include remote surface and quencies from 1,679.9 to 1,694.1 megahertz. service providers support are pushing to open flood gauge observations in addition to imag- These channels provide data at tremendous more radio frequencies to commercial wireless ery essential to meteorologists, scientists, and reliability to the users who depend on them. (4G, LTE, and eventual 5G services). emergency managers. NOAA satellites provide However, this reliability hinges on the cur- The timing could not be worse. data needed by researchers investigating rent spectrum environment in which there are Petitions now in front of the Federal Com- extreme weather and other natural hazards few other users to create sources of interfer- munications Commission (FCC) urge sharing a and retransmit government weather forecasts ence that can disrupt the faint satellite signal. portion of the radio frequency spectrum that is and bulletins. The signal strength from satellites thousands reserved for federal use, particularly for Adding new users to the band used by satel- of kilometers away is much less than that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- lites would likely interrupt timely communi- from cellular phones and towers. Listening for tration (NOAA) geostationary satellites. The cation of weather and other environmental a satellite signal amid a network of cell phones

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 13 OPINION

Because the timeliness of weather information tions infrastructure that is the first to fail, is of utmost importance for public safety, the rendering a potential cloud service inaccessi- ­service-level​­ agreement for GRB uptime is ble. In contrast, satellite transmissions 99.988%, allowing only 5 minutes of downtime remain robust unless the receiving dish is every month. destroyed. ­GOES-​­R and other satellites provide the only method to monitor much of the weather ­Penny-​­Wise, ­Pound-​­Foolish over the oceans as well as conditions above Unfortunately, disasters are becoming more many of the world’s volcanoes [Pavolonis frequent and, in recent years, increasingly et al., 2006], including those along critical air expensive. The cost of weather disasters in routes between North America and Asia. The the United States hit record highs in 2017, safety of airline passengers flying between exceeding $230 billion according to the NOAA the United States and Asia depends on the National Centers for Environmental Informa- uninterrupted receipt of volcanic eruption tion (NCEI). Those tremendous losses and ash information derived from images resulted largely from three strong, landfall- transmitted via GRB. ing hurricanes that the first GOES-­ ​­R satellite, ­GOES-­16, helped meteorologists track. After The GOES-­ 16​­ weather satellite’s ABI captured Hurricane Also in Harm’s Way? Hurricane Maria destroyed the weather radar Maria striking Puerto Rico on 20 September 2017. This The remaining two ­GOES-R​­ communications in Puerto Rico, ­GOES-​­16 was the primary infrared image was color enhanced to depict cold cloud channels, the High Rate Information Trans- asset to support weather monitoring for the top temperatures in blue and magenta and warm ocean mission (HRIT) and the Emergency Managers island in the months that followed. surface temperatures in orange. Credit: CIMSS/SSEC Weather Information Network (EMWIN), both Weather disaster costs may increase in at around 1,694.1 megahertz, might also expe- future years. New research has found that the and towers at a similar frequency would be rience interference from new transmissions speeds of hurricanes are decreasing [Kossin, akin to listening for a whisper in a crowded above 1,695 megahertz. HRIT sends ­lower-​ 2018], which will inevitably increase the sports arena. ­resolution and less frequent satellite imagery severity and extent of flooding from associ- data to users who cannot handle the more ated heavy rains. In addition, a recent NCEI At Risk: Advanced Weather substantial stream of imagery from GRB. study found that frequencies of high-­ ​­tide and Hazard Monitoring EMWIN provides weather forecasts and warn- flooding along Gulf of Mexico and eastern Should the FCC make 1,­675–1,680​­ megahertz, ings from the NOAA National Weather Service states’ coastlines are increasing at an accel- the lowest fourth of the allocated spectrum for to emergency managers in near-real time. erating rate [Sweet et al., 2018]. ­GOES-R​­ satellites, available to commercial Users of HRIT or EMWIN include the U.S. Slow moving hurricanes in combination wireless services, two of the four ­GOES-R​­ Department of Defense and other federal with high tides could prove recurrently disas- communication channels would be most at agencies, as well as state and local officials and trous in future decades. We will need the risk because their central frequencies are clos- emergency managers. imagery from ­GOES-​­R satellites during and est to the proposed range for sharing. after these disasters to monitor and better One of them, called the Data Collection Vulnerabilities: Interference adapt to this trend. Platform Relay (DCPR), transmits at around and Cloud Failure Although the revenue from selling the 1,679.9 megahertz. Among other uses, DCPR If there were interference with the satellite spectrum currently reserved for government transmits reports from river gauges and other signal, receiving antennas would not capture remote ground observation platforms whose the data, and the transmission would be irre- timely receipt is crucial to flood and weather coverable, much like disruptions to ­over-​­the-​ forecasting. During Hurricane Irma, for ­air ­high-​­definition television. The weather instance, the Florida Department of Transpor- community has experienced the effects of tation used such gauge readings to decide interference before, with the ­GOES-​­N, -O, whether to close highways that served as and -P generations of geostationary satellites evacuation routes. In the West, instruments that preceded the ­GOES-​­R satellites. In 2015, near remote wildfires use DCPR to share local interference temporarily obscured the view of conditions, providing information that is a tropical cyclone over the Pacific Ocean. essential for ensuring the safety of communi- Although this interference was momentary, it ties and firefighters. illustrates the potential for irreversible harm The other channel at greatest risk, known as to the weather monitoring and natural haz- the ­GOES-R​­ Rebroadcast service (GRB) and ards alerting process that the American pub- operating at around 1,686.6 megahertz, beams lic has come to rely on. satellite imagery to operational and research Petitioners in favor of sharing have recom- meteorologists in academia, government, and mended the creation of an ­Internet-based​­ industry at a data rate of around 31 megabits cloud service as a suitable alternative to sat- per second, slightly faster than most fourth-­ ​ ellite transmissions of the data. This service The first weather satellite in theGOES- ­ R​­ series, now des- generation­ long-­ term​­ evolution (4G LTE) cell is not achievable, even with the best ignated GOES-­ 16,​­ observes Earth from geostationary service. Mainly because of ABI’s rapid, non- ­enterprise-​­grade terrestrial Internet services orbit in this artist’s rendering. The satellite became fully stop imaging, GRB data continuously flow available today. Moreover, when disaster operational in December 2017. Credit: NOAA/Lockheed from the satellite to antennas on Earth. strikes, it is often the power and communica- Martin

14 // Eos December 2018 OPINION

use entices lawmakers looking to balance the federal budget without raising taxes, it is a minuscule fraction of just 1 year’s disaster CELEBRATE losses. The FCC estimates that sharing 1,675– 1,680 megahertz could result in revenues of $60 million a year, but only for a decade [Fed- Apply for a Celebrate 100 Grant eral Communications Commission, 2017]. That 10 years of revenue would amount to only 0.26% of the $230 billion estimated by NCEI as Part of AGU’s Centennial the lower limit of weather disaster costs for 2017 alone. In contrast to the relatively small revenue the U.S. government could realize from a 1, 675– 1,680 megahertz spectrum auction, the nation will have spent around $11 billion on the GOES- R program by 2036 to ensure that Americans are aware of adverse weather for the next 2 decades. With that cost comes an expected return on investment: that ade- quate research and Earth monitoring will be conducted using GOES data to understand natural hazards facing the world today and in the future. Much of that will be lost if air- ways are jammed and scientists can’t hear the signals from the state- of- the art satel- lites overhead. We must preserve the clear airwaves for reliable satellite relays of weather and other environmental information. Those uninter- rupted signals will help meteorologists and emergency managers continue to provide advance warning and effective, lifesaving responses to protect the American people, their property, and the country’s commerce.

Tell Your Story Interested parties, particularly regular con- sumers of weather satellite information, can file a comment with the FCC in proceeding RM- 11681 at the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (see http://bit .ly/ fcc _ ecfs).

References Federal Communications Commission (2017), FY 2018 FCC budget, Washington, D. C., 23 May, https://www . fcc . gov/ document/ fy - 2018 -fcc - budget. Kossin, J. P. (2018), A global slowdown of tropical- cyclone translation speed, Nature, 558(7708), 104– 107, https://doi . org/ 10 . 1038/ s41586 -018 - 0158 - 3. Pavolonis, M. J., et al. (2006), A daytime complement to the reverse absorption technique for improved automated detection of volcanic ash, J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 23(11), 1,422– 1,444, https://doi . org/ 10 . 1175/ JTECH1926 .1. Schmit, T. J., et al. (2017), A closer look at the ABI on the GOES- R series, Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 98(4), 681– 698, https://doi . org/ 10 .1175/ BAMS - D - 15 - 00230 .1. Sweet, W. V., et al. (2018), 2017 state of U.S. high tide fl ooding with a 2018 outlook, supplement to “State of the climate: National over- view for May 2018,” 6 June, https://www . ncdc . noaa . gov/ monitoring -content/ sotc/ national/ 2018/ may/ 2017 _ State _ of _ US _ High _ Tide _Flooding . pdf. centennial.agu.org By Jordan Gerth (email: jordan . gerth@ ssec . wisc .edu), Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin– Madison

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 15 OPINION

(FEMA), which produces maps of flood zones Millions More Americans Face Flood to help enforce regulations under the National Flood Insurance Program. Risks Than Previously Thought The approach FEMA takes involves develop- ing separate hydraulic models for individual river reaches and then stitching the model outputs together to generate a nationwide his hurricane season, the United States The cost in lives and property damage from view. This traditional “­bottom-up”​­ approach saw floodwaters rise on the eastern sea- Florence and Michael will take years to is the gold standard in flood inundation mod- T board in the aftermaths of devastating assess; initial estimates suggest that it could eling. storms. Hurricane Florence’s floods in partic- total nearly $40 billion. Add this total to last But although the approach allows import- ular took a heavy toll as swollen rivers effec- year’s triumvirate of devastating U.S. hurri- ant local details to be captured, it also requires tively cut off Wilmington, N.C., a city of some canes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—which saw significant resources and time to accomplish. 119,000 residents, for days; residents in sur- a combined death toll of 3,100 and damages Also, there is no efficient way to rerun a given rounding regions were ordered to evacuate as estimated to be $275 billion. Not surprisingly simulation to incorporate new data or test new rivers continued to rise and test the strength given these events, decision-makers and the scenarios. As a result, FEMA mapping cur- of dams. Hurricane Michael, the strongest American public are focusing on issues rently covers only about 60% of the contermi- storm to hit the United States since 1969, related to flooding from hurricanes and other nous United States (CONUS), and the maps brought with it storm surges nearly 3 meters sources. may not represent headwater areas and high. Floodwaters from both storms inun- To mitigate potential losses from floods yet smaller floodplains. dated septic systems, causing raw sewage to to come, we first need an idea of where these You may ask, Is there a better way to eval- spill through the streets. Thus far, Michael damaging floods can occur. In the United uate flood risks? The short answer is yes. It and Florence have together claimed at least States, this information is provided by the involves a “­top-​­down” approach, harness- 87 lives in the United States alone. Federal Emergency Management Agency ing big data to automatically create flood

An 84-­ year-​­ old​­ resident of Spring Lake, N.C., is carried from her flooded home on 17 September 2018. The home flooded when the Little River, a small tributary to the Cape Fear River, crested its banks after Hurricane Florence made landfall. Credit: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News/Getty Images

16 // Eos December 2018 OPINION

of Bristol and Fathom (a flood to estimate flood hazard in all basins down to analytics company) in the just a few square kilometers in area, thus cap- United Kingdom and The turing the risk posed by smaller streams (Fig- Nature Conservancy and the ure 2). Environmental Protection How does our ­top-​­down approach achieve Agency in the United States. higher precision than FEMA’s ­bottom-​­up The regulatory flood zone approach? Our approach’s ability to represent mapped by FEMA captures the smaller streams is not by virtue of obtaining areas of land that have a 1% or better or more localized data. Rather, our greater chance of being inun- spatially consistent, automated, and efficient dated in any given year, or to ­model-building​­ process, coupled with our put it another way, areas that computational capacity, can produce flood would be expected to experi- maps in every river basin. In contrast, ence at least one flood every FEMA’s highly detailed approaches take 100 years. Using bottom-­ up​­ skilled operators several months to perform approaches to calculating pop- for river reaches a few tens of kilometers in ulation exposure (i.e., within length, and this is why spatial coverage is these FEMA flood zones), we relatively low. FEMA engineers triage the estimated that 13 million peo- larger streams in a catchment, often to the ple are at risk of this ­so-called​­ detriment of the headwaters, whereas our 100-­ year​­ flood (Figure 1). approach captures conditions in the headwa- Our transatlantic team per- ter areas as well. formed the same calculation The caveat here is that our approach sacri- with an automated, large-­ scale​­ fices some local accuracy to achieve this hydraulic model covering the broad view of flood hazard across the CONUS. entire CONUS at roughly In areas where FEMA models do contain Fig. 1. (top) A large-­ scale​­ modeling approach [ Wing et al., 2018] estimates 30-­ meter­ resolution [Wing detailed surveys of flow-­ ​­controlling struc- the nationwide distribution of people exposed to a 1-­ in-​­ 100-​­ year​­ flood to be et al., 2017]. We found that tures (e.g., levees, culverts, dikes, bridges), about 3 times the estimate arrived at by (bottom) a local FEMA model almost 41 million people— these models will likely supersede the ­large-​ approach. more than 3 times the FEMA ­scale alternative. However, a study that per- estimate—are exposed to the formed a ­point-​­by-​­point comparison possibility of a ­100-year​­ flood between the FEMA model and ­large-​­scale inundation models from local to global [Wing et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2015; Sampson models suggests that where FEMA maps scales. et al., 2015]. exist, the two approaches often produce sim- ilar results (Figure 3). A New Approach to Calculating Comparing the Flood Maps Compared to ­high-​­quality FEMA flood the ­100-​­Year Floodplain Both flood maps are the output of hydraulic maps, the ­large-scale​­ model captured 86% of Over the past 5 years, researchers across the models that in their simplest sense receive the specified floodplain [Wing et al., 2017]. The globe have started to develop a set of these input in the form of an extreme river flow. The correspondence was even better on larger riv- alternative top-­ down​­ approaches to flood models then work out how this translates to ers, in temperate climates, and in more rural inundation modeling over vast areas, taking flood extent on the ground. basins. This top-­ down​­ model therefore fills in advantage of increasingly available large data Two key pieces of information are required: the areas that the ­bottom-up​­ FEMA maps sets and high-­ performance​­ computing the magnitude of the extreme river flow and miss, such as areas around small streams and resources. These methods take available digi- the elevation of the adjacent land. The input to tal elevation models (DEMs), river hydrogra- both models, the 1-­ in-​­ 100-​­ year​­ maximum phy, and gauging station data and use them to discharge for a particular stretch of river, is automatically create flood inundation models calculated on the basis of historic annual river of whole regions, countries, or even the world. gauge records. The lay of the land is deter- Such approaches do not currently outper- mined by a DEM. The quality of DEMs varies form local bespoke modeling, but many flood across the United States; the majority of management questions can be answered only densely populated areas are covered by highly by consistent flood maps with the type of accurate airborne laser scanning (lidar) data, complete coverage that these ­top-down​­ with correspondingly sparser coverage in less methods produce. For many flood manage- populated areas. ment questions, it may also be acceptable to Thus, although both FEMA’s ­bottom-up​­ sacrifice a small amount of local accuracy to approach and our ­top-down​­ approach use the achieve a national-­ scale​­ view. same input, the two methods produce differ- Fig. 2. A typical snapshot of the flood maps produced by We recently conducted a study [Wing et al., ent estimates of exposed populations. Exam- each model approach for an area of Illinois demon- 2018] to quantify the number of people ining the simulation results obtained using strates FEMA’s tendency to focus on larger rivers, miss- exposed to flooding in the CONUS using just both approaches highlights why the discrep- ing the flood risk associated with smaller streams. Our such a top-­ down​­ approach. Our team spanned ancy in ­flood-exposed​­ population estimates modeling method, on the other hand, captures a finer both sides of the Atlantic, from the University arises. Unlike the FEMA map, our map is able level of detail.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 17 OPINION

across broad swaths of the midwestern and example, scientists have yet to generate northwestern United States. seamless, hyperresolution DEMs of entire We find that this data gap equates to an continents, and the remote detection of ­local-​ extra 28 million Americans living in the ­100-​ ­scale, hydraulically important features is not ­year flood zone. This difference is so large that yet feasible. With solutions to these problems even amid likely model uncertainties, it is a on the horizon, it may not be long before significant result. ­large-scale​­ models, too, reach the limit imposed by extreme flow characterization. Implications for Flood Risk Management Despite these limitations, scientists assess- in the United States ing flood risk could expand and deepen their Scientists and policy makers require compre- insights using a multimodel approach similar hensive floodplain mapping to manage U.S. to the one that climate scientists use. Also, on flood risk in a coordinated way. Accurate, an international scale, the next big step is to Fig. 3. A map comparing our large-­ scale​­ model with ­engineering-​­grade flood models in every river run flood models with data from the high-­ ​ FEMA’s model for an area of Alabama. The two basin in the CONUS would be ideal, but given ­accuracy DEM of the world. Creating a ­high-​ approaches produce similar results here, where the realistic financial constraints, it is clear that ­resolution global flood hazard model [Sampson FEMA data exist, with our large-­ scale​­ floodplain model we need new, affordable approaches to gener- et al., 2015] could help identify ­at-risk​­ popula- capturing more than 90% of the FEMA floodplain with ating comprehensive national maps. tions in areas like Africa, South America, and minimal genuine overprediction. From Wing et al. [2017]. An understanding of flood risk across the Southeast Asia that don’t have ­FEMA-​­style nation, rather than in patches, could lead to local flood maps. fewer surprises akin to Hurricanes Harvey in land use change, and flood risk management Texas and Irma in Florida. Such a comprehen- scenarios can be included for making deci- Floods of Data Can Help Address sive understanding could also assist oppo- sions on a national scale. Flood Risk nents of continued development in risky areas Large-­ scale​­ models won’t completely Without freely available data, we could not and ensure that the culture of preparedness replace the ­bottom-up​­ approach: Certain have conducted our assessments, which FEMA wishes to build becomes a reality across decisions require accurate local modeling means that we could not have identified that the country. techniques. There is unambiguous value to millions of Americans face flood risks In addition, a ­large-scale​­ modeling ­engineering-​­grade local models. Such models beyond those charted in FEMA maps. One approach can answer a number of crucial are needed, for example, when exploring the thing, then, is clear: To help protect people questions that cannot be addressed by a effect of installing or removing levees. Highly from floods, we will continue to need a del- patchwork of local models. Because nation- localized decisions will still require a ­FEMA-​ uge of data. wide flood maps can be produced quickly and style­ analysis. Ultimately, better predictions also require relatively cheaply, a wealth of new products better data, which is why it’s so important could be generated. For example, in addition What Next for Hydraulic Modelers? that the United States continue to fund U.S. to the 100-­ year​­ floodplain, other return peri- Flood inundation models, two types of which Geological Survey (USGS) efforts to maintain ods can be mapped, which enables improved are outlined here, are subject to fundamental river gauges and expand lidar data coverage risk management through a graded system. constraints with regard to their accuracy. The to areas in the United States that lack this With this information, community authorities performance of FEMA-­ ​­style models is coverage. And it is equally important that could perhaps seek to impose more stringent approaching a ceiling: The characterization of USGS continue to make these data public. regulations on buildings in the 1-­ in-​­ 20-​­ year​­ extreme flows often imposes a fundamental floodplain while relaxing those in the ­1-in-​­ ​ limit on further model improvements. Errors References 500-­ year​­ floodplain. of 25% or more are common in gauge observa- Di Baldassarre, G., and A. Montanari (2009), Uncertainty in river dis- charge observations: A quantitative analysis, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., This nuanced approach could also lead to tions [Di Baldassarre and Montanari, 2009], and 13, 913–­ 921,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 5194/­ hess​­ -​ 13­ -​ 913­ -​ 2009.­ more realistic risk assessments and flood there are gaps in the data required for the sta- Sampson, C. C., et al. (2015), A high-­ resolution​­ global flood hazard preparation measures. Right now, risk zones tistical analysis used to calculate flow return model, Water Resour. Res., 51, 7358–­ 7381,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1002/­ ​ 2015WR016954.­ in maps are treated as binary, which can be periods [Smith et al., 2015]. Smith, A., C. Sampson, and P. Bates (2015), Regional flood frequency problematic: People who live just outside the For modeling results to be meaningful, any analysis at the global scale, Water Resour. Res., 51, 539–­ 553,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1002/­ 2014WR015814.​­ currently mapped ­100-year​­ flood boundary do improvements in calculations must be accom- Wing, O. E. J., et al. (2017), Validation of a 30 m resolution flood haz- not face considerably less risk than people panied by commensurate improvements in ard model of the conterminous United States, Water Resour. Res., who live just within it. Yet new development the measured data and other factors in the 53, 7,968–­ 7,986,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1002/­ 2017WR020917.​­ Wing, O. E. J., et al. (2018), Estimates of present and future flood risk tends to cluster around these boundaries, modeling approach. For instance, there is lit- in the conterminous United States, Environ. Res. Lett., 13, 034023, often still in risky areas. Maps that contour tle value to a ­centimeter-scale​­ hydraulic https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1088/­ 1748​­ -​ 9326/­ aaac65.​ risks in a more detailed way could prevent this model if you don’t actually know how big the effect through ensuring a smoother gradient 100-­ year​­ flow is. of development increase farther outside of the This need for better data, coupled with the By Oliver Wing (email: oliver­ .​ wing@­ bristol​­ .​ ac­ ​ higher risk zones. need for many more decades or even centuries .uk)­ and Paul Bates, School of Geographical Large-­ scale​­ and automated modeling of river flow observations and an expanded Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K.; and approaches offer flexibility as well: The ability river gauge network, means that the flow Fathom, Engine Shed, Station Approach, Bristol, to rerun multiple flood maps allows modelers characterization gap is not likely to be U.K.; Christopher Sampson and Andrew Smith, to test the effect of different scenarios by per- resolved any time soon. Fathom, Engine Shed, Station Approach, Bristol, turbing inputs to the model. For example, the There is, however, still plenty of room for U.K.; and Joseph Fargione and Kris Johnson, effects of climate change, population growth, improvement in ­large-scale​­ modeling. For The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis, Minn.

18 // Eos December 2018 OPINION

for showing solidarity. In addition to engag- Solidarity Among World’s Scientists ing key administration officials and biparti- san representatives of the U.S. Congress, Needed Now More Than Ever AGU is inviting science attachés from several embassies and international agencies located in Washington. As always, the scien- tific program addresses Earth and space research. Consistent with this year’s theme, “What Science Stands For,” the program will also feature sessions on ethics and work- place issues, such as sexual harassment, diversity, and inclusion, and on career development matters, such as tenure and promotion. These topics are universally rel- evant, but they often have important cultur- ally specific aspects that require diverse per- spectives. On the basis of what AGU leaders are hearing from our members, I pledge that we will add a session on promoting interna- tional science in an increasingly nationalis- tic world (see http://bit.ly/intl-science). We need you to help us stand up for “What Sci- ence Stands For.”

Communicating in Washington, D. C. and Beyond Although solidarity at meetings sends a huge signal, AGU is also working diligently in qui- eter ways. We are advancing bipartisan sup- iStock.com/kgtoh port in the U.S. Congress for science funding rustration is mounting over nationalistic and actions that disregard the value of and policies protecting scientific integrity. We policies in the United States and other ­science-based​­ evidence in policy making. So have established good working relationships F countries that are obstructing the free what are the appropriate responses for scien- with key administration appointees and career exchange of ideas and effective collaboration tific societies like AGU and its international professionals within the agencies who are among scientists. membership? With about 40% of our members dedicated to advancing science. We are pro- These policies have multiple impacts. The living outside of the United States, this ques- viding training and tool kits for our members most immediate and visible human tragedies tion clearly extends beyond American politics. across the world to learn to tell their stories are borne by refugees and immigrants. At the effectively to community groups, school same time, several academics have lost their Support “What Science Stands For” groups, congregations, businesses, the media, jobs or their ability to carry out their missions We must stand together to insist that scien- and decision makers at all levels. Engaging where nationalistic governments have tific collaboration remain international and broadly in civil society to demonstrate the restricted academic freedoms and defunded interdisciplinary. I can certainly empathize importance of science to society will be our science and education. Sadly, enrollment of with those outside the United States who most enduring strategy to counter the shifting foreign students in U.S. universities appears might be considering boycotting U.S. meet- political winds that follow election cycles and to be on the decline, perhaps due to uncer- ings as a protest to several of President Donald nationalistic movements. tainties regarding visas and concerns over Trump’s policies and statements. But I would Science always benefits from diversity, and reported xenophobic sentiments that our argue that such boycotts would simply this is no time to allow the political climate in leaders appear to condone. Tightening visa advance the type of nationalism that we need the United States and elsewhere to deter us restrictions in the name of national security to stand up against. The negative impacts of from making our science great by fostering also impedes the ability of scientists to work boycotts would not be felt by this administra- diverse contributions from our international collaboratively to advance scientific discovery tion, but the consequences for our science membership. Whether it is at this year’s AGU that benefits humanity. would be very real indeed! As we face global meeting in Washington, D. C., or any other While these trends are widespread, the challenges of managing the Earth system with scientific society’s meeting in the United actions and words of the Trump administra- human populations destined to exceed 8 bil- States or elsewhere, I call on scientists across tion are receiving particular attention, for lion or 9 billion people, we urgently need the the globe to show solidarity for our shared val- good reason. We must respect differences of diverse scientific expertise and cultural per- ues and to advance international science for opinion regarding immigration policy and spectives that international meetings offer to the benefit of humanity. national security, but we cannot remain silent finding effective solutions. when human dignity is violated, as we have This year’s fast approaching Fall Meeting witnessed since last summer on the southern 2018 in Washington, D. C., from 10 to By Eric Davidson (email: president@­ agu​­ .​ org),­ U.S. border. Equally disturbing are statements ­14 December is a particularly opportune time President, AGU

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 19 Illustration: Shany Muchnik/Shutterstock; Design: Valerie Friedman Illustration: Shany Muchnik/Shutterstock; Design: Valerie

20 // Eos December 2018

THE PUSH FOR A CLIMATE CHANGE IN CONGRESS

By Randy Showstack

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) is on a mission to find bipartisan solutions, further Democratic goals, and end the dark money that spurs members of Congress to oppose climate measures.

or con- gressman Ted Deutch, a Demo- crat who represents part of southern Flor- ida in the U.S. House of Representatives, there is no time to waste Fin dealing with climate change. The effects of climate change, Deutch warns, threaten our national security, our economy, our health, and our daily livelihoods. And it’s an urgent social, political, and personal issue that he sees is hitting his ­low-​­lying state hard. Since his election in 2010 to represent Florida’s 22nd district, Deutch has been on the forefront of congressional efforts to combat climate change. He cochairs the House’s bipartisan Climate Solutions

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 21 Caucus, a group that he cofounded in 2016 with Rep. Carlos Curbelo (­R-Fla.)​­ to explore policy options that address climate change. That group currently has 90 members, with Democrats and Republicans represented equally. However, Curbelo and many other Republican members of the caucus lost their reelection bids in November’s midterm election. Deutch, 52, also is the likely next chair of the House Committee on Ethics, now that Democrats will control a majority in the House when Congress convenes in January. His work and insights on the legislative sides of climate change and ethics offer a window into congressional efforts to move forward on dealing with climate change in the current political climate. With President Donald Trump’s pledge to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord and calling climate change “a hoax,” Deutch and others who are concerned about the issue face a tough fight. Eos recently spoke with Rep. Deutch about the urgency to act on climate change and about the Climate Solutions Caucus, climate legislation priorities, dark money in politics, and his personal concerns about the environment. This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for flow and grammar.

Eos: You have called climate change the greatest challenge in emissions are not reduced, the current trajectory positions us for our lifetime and said that we must act now to prevent irrevers- far higher temperatures by the end of the century. ible damage. Why do you think that’s the case? Deutch: The trajectory, they point out, is 3°­C–4°C​­ world- Deutch: We are seeing the effects of human contribu- wide, which is unlivable. The report rightly talks about dra- tions to climate change now playing out, right in front of matically increasing the share of the primary energy we use our eyes. Unless we take action now, these effects will sim- from renewables to have any chance at reducing that increase. ply be the start of a downward spiral. The impact of that on our environment, on our quality of life, on our economy would be so severe. We must recognize that we’ve got to face climate change at this moment and that we have to “We must recognize that face it with urgency. we’ve got to face climate Eos: What is your reaction to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recent report that says that the world has until change at this moment and 2030 to cut carbon emissions by 45% before temperatures rise 1.5°C above preindustrial levels? The report also concludes that if that we have to face it with urgency.”

The findings are terribly troubling, but they just confirm what we’ve known for a long time: We’re not doing enough to reduce carbon emissions, and we have to move more quickly toward clean fuels. This is urgent. It’s urgent especially for a state like mine. The urgency expressed in that report is something that we can’t move away from. It needs to help guide the policy decisions that we make. Eos: I understand that you recently toured an area of Fort Lauderdale hit hardest by king tide. What was that like? Deutch: In southern Florida, we’re seeing the impact of climate change on sea level rise. That plays out most dra- matically every year during king tide, which is the highest tide of the year. This morning, I met with a business owner in Fort Lauderdale whose salon faces rising waters, and as a result, there are periods when people can’t come through the front door. It’s just powerful to speak to people for whom climate Protesters at the 2017 March for Science in Washington, D. C., urge poli- change isn’t some concept of a ­far-off​­ impact but some- ticians not to dismiss science. Credit: Beth Bagley thing that they’re feeling right now.

22 // Eos December 2018 Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), cochair of the House Climate Solutions Caucus and the ranking Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, speaking in 2016 at the National Press Club about getting big money out of politics. Credit: Paul Morigi/Contributor/WireImage/Getty Images

Eos: Given sea level rise, extreme weather, national security and the local community is dealing with it. Local govern- implications, and other concerns related to climate change, what ment officials—Democrats and Republicans alike—and the do you say to people who dismiss the need for action now local business community from small business owners to because they think that climate change is some event in the dis- CEOs of some of our large corporations all are working tant future? together to find ways to Deutch: It’s just a matter invest in resilience, to of helping people to under- work together to put a stand and be willing to “Climate change is an regional plan in place. acknowledge that this isn’t issue that we have to Coming from here, it all just a big coincidence, was frustrating that in that these things [sea level tackle together. Those Washington climate rise, severe weather, and change is too often other phenomena] are hap- who continue to refuse viewed through a parti- pening all at the same time, san lens. So Rep. Curbelo and that climate change is to do it are going to have and I started the Climate causing these changes. Solutions Caucus, work- Eos: How do you approach their voices become less ing with our friends in people who don’t believe in the Citizens’ Climate the scientific consensus that and less relevant.” Lobby and some other humans are changing cli- groups, for the purpose mate? of bringing people Deutch: The example for the country, as set in south together to talk about these issues and to hear from Florida, is that climate change is an issue that we have to experts. tackle together. Those who continue to refuse to do it are Eos: How has the caucus advanced the conversation? I going to have their voices become less and less relevant. understand, for instance, that the caucus played a key role That’s how we find ways to go forward. regarding the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Eos: Why did you cofound the Climate Solutions Caucus? Deutch: There was an effort to essentially eliminate from Deutch: In southern Florida, climate change is an issue the Defense Authorization Act any reference to climate that’s not partisan and that’s not distant. It is here now, change and its impact on our national security. In that case,

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 23 Deutch: My hope is that we will be able get to a serious effort to pass a carbon fee bill, something that will both help to change behavior and bring Democrats and Republi- cans together. Because it’s a bipartisan idea, we ought to be able to approach it in a bipartisan way. Eos: What do you mean by a carbon fee program? Deutch: It’s a rebate program, so that people who pro- duce carbon will pay a fee for it and then that money will be rebated to consumers throughout the country to help create economic growth that way. My hope was that we could have a bipartisan bill to introduce even before the end of this Congress, and I’ve not given up on that hope. I’d like to get something on the table just as a starting point for further bipartisan efforts. Eos: Would a carbon fee be the key point of the bipartisan legislation? Deutch: Yes. I think putting a price on carbon and hav- ing a carbon fee with a rebate is the best way to generate bipartisan support. In the meantime, there are lots of other issues, lots of other proposals about energy efficiency and further encouraging green energy at both the macro level and for the individual homeowner. There are a lot of ideas that hopefully we’ll be building into a legislative agenda. That’s an agenda that’s probably going to have to wait until the start of the next Congress, however. Eos: How do you respond to criticism that some House mem- Rep. Ted Deutch speaks with a constituent during king tide flooding in Fort bers are trying to greenwash their image—for example, saying Lauderdale, Fla., on 17 October 2016. Credit: Office of Rep. Ted Deutch that they care about climate change by being part of the caucus but then not having very good voting records on environmental we were able to come together, and the majority of mem- issues? bers of the caucus helped to defeat that amendment. Deutch: I don’t really buy the greenwashing. There may There is a whole lot more that we need to do. We’ve not be members who attempt to hide a bad voting record on been unified enough for me. We were not unified enough climate and the environment by claiming membership in when the president pulled out of the Paris accord. There this caucus. But people are ultimately going to be judged by what they do, not just by what they say. And I want them sitting at the table to hear from these experts so that per- haps they’ll be willing to do more. “We were not unified Eos: Do you think that bipartisan efforts are the most effec- tive ways to move forward with climate solutions, or would par- enough when the tisan efforts by House Democrats be more effective? Deutch: I think people are tired of Washington refusing president pulled out of to approach issues using common sense, particularly given what’s at stake. the Paris accord. There I always think that if we could do something in a biparti- san way, that’s the best way to effect lasting change. We’re was more that we should going to continue to push that. At the same time, I want the outside groups to increase the pressure as much as have done.” needed to get my colleagues to understand that there needs to be action as well, that they need to step up, they need to vote the right way, they have to speak out. was more that we should have done. I think that there is So it’s a combination. I want this caucus to have a broad more that we can do through legislation. But being able to membership, with people who might not otherwise be part at least stop the proposed NDAA amendment from going of the debate sitting at the table, but then I want them to forward was a first step. also do the right thing as a member of Congress and sup- Also, getting people to sit around a table and listen to port efforts to combat climate change. experts talk about the impact of climate change on our Eos: What will be the Democrats’ first priority on climate economy—and, frankly, the opportunities for economic change in the next congressional session? growth that arise out of the many things we can do to com- Deutch: I’m not prepared to point to a single piece of bat it—is, I think, a positive step. legislation that needs to pass. The first action that we need Eos: I understand that the caucus is developing bipartisan cli- to take is to ensure that climate change is on the agenda, mate legislation. that it is part of the debate, and that it is seen for what it is:

24 // Eos December 2018 see a return to this issue as part of a broader accountability agenda that we hope to roll out in January. “One of the reasons that Eos: Why are you personally so concerned about climate we haven’t seen action on change? Deutch: The data are clear; the stories that we read are climate change is that the compelling. When you see it firsthand, as we do in Florida, when you see the severity of the storms increase, when you biggest polluters use their know that the algae blooms that we’re dealing with are worse when the water temperature is higher and you see money to influence the water in the streets as a result of sea level rise, you feel that you have to act. politicians who will be In my case, its personal because I’m a parent. My wife and I have three kids. When we talk about what’s going to casting votes.” happen over the next 20 years, 30 years, and 50 years, the impacts will affect them and their children. I want the decisions that they make about where they live and what an urgent threat to the future of our economy, of our coun- they pursue and how they enjoy life to be driven by their try, and of our world. If we can accomplish that, it will be desires and not by the necessary ways to avoid the impact easier to highlight the work the private sector is doing and of climate change. to finally get the government to do the job that it needs to That’s the way I think about it. I’ve had the privilege do to turn back some of the dangerous policies that we’ve over the past couple of years, especially through the cau- seen coming from this administration. cus, to talk to so many people who have seen their lives Eos: In addition to putting a price on carbon and promoting impacted dramatically already. For them, for our kids, and green energy and energy efficiency, what are other legislative for future generations, there is no time to waste. priorities? I know you’ve talked about infrastructure resilience as climate warms. Author Information Deutch: We’re going to put forth an infrastructure Randy Showstack (@­ RandyShowstack),­ Staff Writer package that will help generate economic activity and will do all the things that we have traditionally talked about when we view our aging infrastructure. But we have to make sure that those investments in infrastructure include strong investments in making sure that we have resilient infrastructure. The whole idea of resilience mat- ters enormously now. Among all of the things that we can do, keeping climate change and the impact of climate change as central parts of any infrastructure plan is, I think, what can be the most effective right now. Eos: You have spoken out against ­hard-​­to-​­trace dark money in the political process. You are also a sponsor of the Democracy for All Amendment to the Constitution to counter the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which led to unprecedented political spending. What is the connection between dark money and climate change action, and how con- cerned are you? Deutch: I’m very concerned. One of the reasons that we haven’t seen action on climate change is that the biggest polluters use their money to influence the politicians who will be casting votes. They are using their money to try to safeguard their business interests. They refuse to acknowledge the impact that they are having on climate change and, ultimately, on our economy. They spend enormous sums—unlimited money—to protect these polluting businesses. We’ve got to break that lock that some of these groups have on too many members of the House and the Senate. Trying to get big money out of politics and eliminating dark money are the best ways we can do that. Eos: Is there any traction on the Democracy for All Amend- ment? Deutch: There is a lot of traction in America. There’s more and more traction in Washington, and I think you’ll

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 25 26 // Eos December 2018 MEETING THE MINERAL NEEDS OF THE UNITED STATES

By Graham W. Lederer and Erin A. McCullough

The U.S. Geological Survey tracks the supply streams of 90 key mineral commodities. Its work pinpoints where the United States is most dependent on mineral imports and highlights ways to reduce this dependence.

he United States relies on mineral resources of all kinds: iron and aluminum for automotive parts, rare earth elements for consumer electronic devices, and titanium pigments for paints and coatings, to name only a few. The United States can pro- duce enough of some of these mineral commodities to meet domestic demand, but for others it relies on imports from around the world. Political instability and competition from other nations Tcould disrupt the flow of imported minerals, leaving U.S. markets to deal with shortages and high prices. Thus, it is necessary to keep track of what is imported and how much and from whom. On 20 December 2017, the White House issued Executive Order 13817, entitled “A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of

Stacks of aluminum ingots, ready for transport. Credit: Leonid Eremeychuk/Shutterstock

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 27 Critical Minerals,” which cites the reliance of the United Consumption and Trade States on imports for certain mineral commodities vital to Three sources meet domestic demand for mineral com- economic and national security interests. The order states modities: that increased domestic exploration, production, recycling, primary production and processing will reduce reliance on imports. And import • secondary production reliance is one of many factors that determine the risks • net imports communities would face if foreign supplies were disrupted • [Fortier et al., 2015]. The United States depends entirely on imports for The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Minerals Informa- 21 mineral commodities. For 19 of these, including cesium, tion Center compiles and publishes production, consump- rubidium, and tantalum, no domestic production takes tion, and net import reliance data for more than 90 nonfuel place (NIR is 100%). Minimal quantities of fluorspar and minerals and materials. By combining production, trade, sheet mica are produced domestically as ­by-​­products of and consumption data into a single statistic for each com- limestone and feldspar mining, respectively. modity, net import reliance provides a method to evaluate For mineral commodities with less than 100% import the status of the U.S. mineral supply. reliance, primary and secondary productions satisfy the Here the key components that determine net import remaining portion of apparent consumption. In some reliance are described to better illustrate the role of the cases, primary production data are withheld to avoid dis- domestic mineral industry, natural resources, and interna- closing proprietary information; in these cases, approxi- tional trade relations. Although other factors, such as geo- mate NIR values are used. graphic production concentration and the availability of Imports and exports include raw materials such as ores alternatives, are important, reducing net import reliance is and concentrates, metals, chemicals, and certain semi- one way to mitigate supply risk. manufactured products. Materials embedded in finished Of the more than 90 individual mineral commodities consumer products are not considered in traditional net analyzed in 2017, the United States relied on imports for import reliance statistics. Exports of mineral commodi- more than half its supply of 50 mineral commodities [U.S. ties with no domestic production represent imported Geological Survey, 2018]. Mineral commodities for which the material that underwent a transformation process in the United States was greater than 50% import reliant are United States. For example, although gallium is not pro- shown in Figure 1. Mineral commodities for which the duced domestically, ­low-​­grade primary gallium imports United States was less than 50% import reliant (e.g., lead are refined into ­high-​­purity gallium at a facility in Utah, and copper) or a net exporter (e.g., molybdenum) are not some of which is then exported in the form of ­light-​ shown. ­emitting diodes (LEDs), integrated circuits, and other products. What Is Net Import Reliance? Net import reliance measures the dependence of a U.S. Supply Status nation—in this case, the United State—on imports to The domestic components of supply consist of primary meet domestic consumption. This figure is the differ- production and recycling. Primary production refers to the ence between imports and exports of mineral commodi- mining of ore from reserves, the economic subset of iden- ties, adjusting for changes in industry and government tified resources. In Figure 1, a primary production box indi- stocks. cates that a mineral commodity is produced domestically, Stock adjustments refers to changes in the amount of even if production data are withheld or excluded from material held in inventories. Decreases in stocks contrib- apparent consumption. ute to net imports, whereas stock increases reduce net A recycling box indicates that a mineral commodity is imports. Negative net imports indicate that the United currently recycled in the United States. Quantitative esti- States was a net exporter. For all other mineral commodi- mates of the contribution of recycling to apparent con- ties, net imports contribute to the total quantity con- sumption are not available for several mineral commodi- sumed by the United States. This total quantity, referred ties. For example, gallium arsenide semiconductors are to as apparent consumption, is the sum of primary pro- recycled as new scrap (distinct from postconsumer scrap) duction, secondary production, and net imports. but are not included as secondary production of gallium or Primary production refers to material mined, refined, arsenic. or manufactured domestically, whereas secondary pro- Resources are defined as naturally occurring concentra- duction refers to material recovered from recycling of tions of material in Earth’s crust where economic extraction scrap. Net import reliance (NIR) is the percentage of is currently or potentially feasible. Although resources of domestic apparent consumption that comes from net many mineral commodities occur in the United States, imports. resources of some mineral commodities are insignificant or Although the general form of the NIR equation is used currently considered subeconomic (e.g., certain domestic consistently across mineral commodities, data on resources of manganese, tantalum, and tin). domestic production, industry stocks, or rates of recy- Reserves represent the portion of identified resources cling may not be available for each individual commod- that could be economically extracted or produced at the ity. The relationships among the variables used to calcu- time of determination. Reserves are dynamic and depen- late NIR are shown in Figure 2, which shows how the dent on continued exploration and changing economic apparent consumption of refined zinc is dominated by conditions such as commodity prices and extraction costs. imports. Reserves and resource terminology are not applicable to

28 // Eos December 2018 Fig. 1. Data for 2017 for apparent consumption, trade, and supply status of mineral commodities for which the United States is at least 50% import reli- ant. (a) Net imports, primary production, and secondary production are shown as a percentage of domestic consumption. (b) Imports and exports are shown as a percentage of total U.S. trade. (c) The status of U.S. supply is shown as a series of boxes. Solid boxes indicate that domestic reserves and resources exist and that a mineral commodity is produced or recycled domestically. Open boxes indicate that data are withheld (W), not available (NA), or not applicable (N/A). The N/A designation refers to manufactured materials. Note that iron oxide pigments (natural and synthetic) are com- bined because statistics are not reported separately. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey [2018]

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 29 bama and a niobium project under development in Nebraska.

Domestic Production In general, mineral commodities with domestic reserves are also produced domestically. Several factors determine whether min- eral commodities are produced, including market conditions, comparative advantage among countries, environmental and social issues, and other economic forces. For example, although domes- tic reserves exist, asbestos has not been mined in the United States since 2002. U.S. demand decreased as a result of health and liability issues, and 100% of apparent consumption of asbes- tos is met through imports. Fig. 2. A waterfall diagram of the relationship between the components of U.S. apparent consumption Under different market condi- of refined zinc, including primary and secondary production, stock adjustments, imports, and exports. tions or regulatory policies, the United States could resume min- ing asbestos or other mineral manufactured products such as silicon carbide, aluminum, commodities because reserves are available. Similarly, an and aluminum oxide. increase in rare earth prices in 2011 led to the classifica- By examining the components of apparent consump- tion of reserves in California, but the subsequent fall in tion, trade, and supply alongside net import reliance, a few prices hindered domestic production. For any commodity, general trends become apparent. Reserves, production, individual deposits are subject to similar market forces. recycling, exports, and ­by-​­product recovery each contrib- Several by-­ ​­product mineral commodities have esti- ute to the overall import reliance picture. mates of neither primary production nor reserves. In polymetallic ore deposits, mining operations target a spe- Domestic Reserves cific mineral commodity, but the potential ­by-​­products A common misconception is that the United States must are not recovered. For example, germanium, gallium, and import mineral commodities because no domestic indium are, in some cases, unrecovered constituents of resources exist. In general, the United States does not lack zinc ore produced in the United States. Similarly, lead mineral resources. For example, it has resources of 43 min- ores contain bismuth, but lead ores are no longer pro- eral commodities with high NIR. cessed in the United States. In other cases, the primary Reserves, on the other hand, are related to domestic mineral commodity is not mined domestically, and there- production. Of the 26 mineral commodities with estimates fore there is no by-­ ​­product recovery. For example, cesium of reserves, 19 are produced domestically. Seven mineral and rubidium are produced as ­by-​­products of lithium commodities with domestic reserves lack domestic pri- minerals in pegmatites mined globally, but U.S. lithium mary production: asbestos, chromium, graphite, rare production is from brine operations. earths, scandium, vanadium, and yttrium. Increasing production of any mineral commodity is Domestic reserves data are not available for 12 mineral limited by economic factors and accessibility. For most commodities: arsenic, barite, bismuth, cesium, gallium, mineral commodities, extraction costs for deposits in the germanium, indium, nepheline syenite, rubidium, thal- United States in comparison with those in other countries lium, thorium, and tungsten. Estimates of reserves are not are a factor in determining whether they are mined typically conducted for ­by-​­products and minor constitu- domestically. The overall financial attractiveness of a ents of a mineral deposit. Of the 12 mineral commodities potential venture depends on all of the costs and risks for which data are not available, eight are ­by-​­products that (e.g., regulatory or political uncertainty) associated with are not recovered domestically. the project. The United States lacks domestic reserves of five com- For ­by-​­product mineral commodities, extraction and modities: manganese, niobium, strontium, tantalum, and recovery costs control the economic viability of produc- tin. Reclassifying resources as reserves requires consider- tion. For example, sheet mica is produced as a ­by-​ able investment and effort to conduct exploration and eco- ­product of feldspar mining in North Carolina but in such nomic feasibility analysis. Therefore, not all resources will limited quantity compared with imports that NIR is become reserves, and not all reserves will lead to produc- essentially 100%. Despite limited production, the United tion. Reserves that may result in production include States may be less susceptible to potential supply dis- graphite projects under development in Alaska and Ala- ruptions for mineral commodities with existing domes-

30 // Eos December 2018 tic mines and processing facilities compared with com- In other cases, producers may be aware of potential ­by-​ modities without domestic production. Furthermore, as ­products but choose not to recover them. This could be demand for a by-­ ​­product commodity increases, compa- due to a lack of economic viability or processing infra- nies may be willing to increase ­by-​­product production structure or because of the mineral composition of the with little additional cost if recovery capability exists at ore. For example, zinc concentrates mined in Alaska and domestic plants. Washington contain germanium, but these concentrates are exported to Canada for processing and germanium Domestic Recycling recovery. Other by-­ ​­products that could be recovered from Domestic recycling has a twofold effect on net import domestically mined ores include arsenic, bismuth, gal- reliance: It increases domestic supply and decreases lium, indium, rhenium, and vanadium. demand for imported primary materials. Secondary pro- NIR could be reduced for many commodities, such as duction contributes to the domestic supply of 12 mineral tellurium in copper ore, if unrecovered constituents were commodities (aluminum, antimony, bismuth, chromium, separated from gangue (economically worthless material cobalt, diamond, nickel, platinum, silver, tin, tungsten, associated with an ore deposit) and produced as ­by-​ and zinc). ­products, instead of being lost as waste. Research on Postconsumer scrap represents a significant uncon- mineral processing technologies and marginal costs of ventional “resource” for certain mineral commodities. recovery may improve the economic viability of ­by-​ For example, the United States does not mine chromium, ­product commodities. but recycling of stainless steel scrap reduces net import reliance for chromium to 69%. Similarly, antimony, bis- Assessing and Reducing Risk muth, cobalt, and tin all lack domestic primary produc- Net import reliance is a conceptual tool that can be tion, but secondary production reduces their NIR values. applied to any mineral commodity. Increased geologic Several other mineral commodities are known to be exploration, economic assessment, production, process- recycled, but secondary production statistics may be lim- ing, ­by-​­product recovery, and recycling can contribute to ited or not available because of how material is repro- reducing NIR. cessed. Although some materials degrade during recy- The significance of NIR as an indicator of supply risk cling, increased efficiency in the collection and processing depends on a variety of factors, including the utility, sub- of recyclable materials would further reduce NIR and stitutability, production cost, market size, and price for allow the United States to recover waste and scrap that each particular mineral commodity. Comprehensive would otherwise be exported. assessments are needed to fully understand the supply risk of individual commodities. Role of Exports Reducing net import reliance may reduce supply risk; Exports of mineral commodities occupy an important role however, evaluation of supply risk should consider sev- in the U.S. economy, even when the United States is a net eral factors in conjunction with NIR, such as trade rela- importer. Of the 50 mineral commodities analyzed, only tions with import source countries, changes in material 10 lack exports. demand, the availability of substitutes, and the impor- Exports contribute to the U.S. economy because tance of a mineral commodity to the U.S. economy. For imported raw materials and intermediate product forms example, the risks associated with relying on imports may undergo transformative processing or manufacturing for rare earths may outweigh the costs of developing a in the United States that adds value to their products. For secure domestic supply, whereas for other commodi- example, the United States imports bauxite (an aluminum ties, such as asbestos, continued import reliance is ore) and produces aluminum metal. NIR for bauxite likely. exceeds 75%, but NIR for aluminum is 61%. Thus, ensuring that the United States has adequate mineral supplies to meet its needs involves many inter- Lack of By-­ Product​­ Recovery acting factors, such as the dynamic balance between Many mineral commodities with greater than 50% NIR imports and exports and the economics of developing are produced exclusively as ­by-​­products, and their pro- domestic resources. However, a metric like NIR can duction is contingent upon the production of other min- help untangle some economic complexities and pin- eral commodities. Exploration efforts often do not focus point how best to mitigate risks from supply disrup- on ­by-​­product minerals for a number of reasons. By-­ ​ tions to the mineral resources needed for modern soci- ­product minerals occur in very low concentrations, have ety. limited impact on the economic feasibility of a project, and are traded in small quantities on opaque markets. References Therefore, estimates of reserves for by-­ ​­products are Fortier, S. M., et al. (2015), Comparison of U.S. net import reliance for nonfuel mineral commodities—A 60-­ year​­ retrospective (1954–­ 1984–​­ 2014),​­ U.S. Geol. Surv. Fact Sheet limited and incomplete because producers do not rou- 2015-­ 3082​­ , 4 pp., https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 3133/­ fs20153082.​­ tinely report information for ­by-​­product minerals, partic- U.S. Geological Survey (2018), Mineral commodity summaries 2018, 202 pp., Reston, Va., ularly if there are no plans to recover them. Comprehen- https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 3133/­ 70194932.​­ sive geologic exploration programs encompassing broad geographic areas and detailed mineralogical investigation Author Information would help identify domestic resources, reserves, and Graham W. Lederer (email: glederer@­ usgs​­ .​ gov)­ and Erin A. potential mining opportunities for ­by-​­product and minor McCullough, National Minerals Information Center, U.S. Geo- metals. logical Survey, Reston, Va.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 31 HOW LANDSLIDES BECOME DISASTERS

By Peter Lehmann, Jonas von Ruette, and Dani Or

This drone image shows the aftermath of a 2017 mudslide in Sierra Leone that claimed more than 400 lives. Credit: Michael Duff/Moment/Getty Images

32 // Eos December 2018 n spring and summer of 2017, torren- tial rainfall triggered a series of land- slides culminating in two catastrophic disasters: one in Mocoa, an inland city in southwestern Colombia, and another thousands of kilometers away in the coastal city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Ilandslides triggered massive debris flows that destroyed neighborhoods and killed several hundred people. Mocoa received 100 millimeters of rainfall within 6 hours, a rainfall that is statistically predicted to occur once every 30 years. Free- town received 70 millimeters of rain within 7 hours (based on rainfall data from Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Sta- tion data, or CHIRPS), a statistical 5-­ year­ storm. These two regions are far apart, but they share a tropical climate, and their soils are pre- dominantly clay loam, according to the Soil- Grids database. These intense rainfall events have triggered many landslides in both regions, just upstream from the edge of Freetown and several kilome- ters upstream from Mocoa. In both cases, how- ever, the main cause of the damage was not the

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 33 Rescuers search for survivors on 2 April 2017 after floodwaters carrying mud and debris inundated parts of Mocoa, Colombia, killing at least 200 people and leaving many more injured and homeless. A new modeling platform assists in re-creating­ the paths and extents of debris flows caused by river transport of landslide materials. Credit: AP Photo/Fernando Vergara

direct impact of the soil mass released downslope but, ing as far back as 2014 had warned of the potential hazards rather, the mobilization of the released material (soil, of debris-­ choked​­ stream channels. rocks, and trees) by the river channels downstream. The story was similar in Freetown, where the released These tragic events point to a gap in our ability to model soil mass itself did less damage to the town than the sub- at the catchment scale the interlinked processes that cause sequent debris flows. localized shallow landslides to become debris flows and the pathways such flows take. We present here a new type of Modeling Interlinked Natural Hazards Processes model that addresses these links. This model can be We applied the new model ­STEP-TRAMM,​­ which was applied at any catchment, is freely available, and includes a developed in our Soil and Terrestrial Environmental Phys- user interface for ease of use. ics (STEP) group, as part of the research project Triggering of Rapid Mass Movements in Steep Terrain (TRAMM) to simulate landslide triggering and debris flow pathways. The main cause of the damage The model reconciles the highly localized ­landslide-​ ­triggering processes (on scales from 10 to 1,000 square was not the direct impact of the meters) with a ­catchment-scale​­ view of hydrologic pro- soil mass released downslope cesses (1–100­ square kilometers). The modeling platform offers several distinct advan- but, rather, the mobilization of tages over existing landslide models (Figure 1): soil, rocks, and trees by the river • ­STEP-TRAMM​­ can be applied anywhere on Earth using any publicly available global database that offers digital ele- channels downstream. vation data (e.g., EarthExplorer from the U.S. Geological Survey), forest maps (Global Forest Change), soil textural properties (e.g., SoilGrids), and rainfall data (e.g., Global Landslides Trigger Devastating Debris Flows Precipitation Measurement from NASA). These data sets are Near Mocoa, masses of soil and uprooted trees released by easily imported into the model as standard ASCII grid files. the landslides reached the river channels while the ­rain-​ A digital elevation model is the minimum requirement to ­glutted streams were flowing at full capacity. The fast run a simulation; the software includes tools to define vege- flowing river carried the soil and trees through the channel tation patterns and rainfall data, and it provides hydrome- network. This debris quickly reached the outskirts of chanical properties of different soil types. Mocoa, where it destroyed buildings and roads and caused • The model first estimates the distribution of soil more than 250 fatalities. Articles in local newspapers dat- depth across the catchment as a function of topography.

34 // Eos December 2018 Fig. 1. The ­STEP-​­TRAMM modeling framework simulates ­rainfall-​­induced Fig. 2. Basic principles of model framework STEP-­ TRAMM.​­ The soil man- landslide triggering and debris flow runout pathways. Inputs to the tle is represented by a collection of interconnected hexagonal soil col- ­STEP-TRAMM​­ model include information on soil texture, vegetation umns. The water content, strength, and load redistribution are computed cover (meadow and forest), topography, and the triggering rainfall event. for each soil column and time step (see inset) to identify regions of mass These inputs can be downloaded from global data sets. The model release. The landslide simulation transitions to debris flow routing paths computes outputs, including soil depth distribution, water flow into the using a simple empirical model that relates landslide volume to runout river network, and—the main result—the time and location of mass distance and relief. release and the corresponding debris flow path.

module that calculates pathways and deposition on the This is an essential step for constraining soil hydrologic basis of local topography. For simplicity, we opted for an and mechanical processes (forces, loads, and failure empirical approach [Rickenmann, 1999] to relating runout events). distance to landslide volume and height difference. This • The ­landslide-triggering​­ module considers dynamics approach provides reasonable estimates of flow paths of local hydrology and threshold mechanics where soil ele- and runout distances [e.g., Fan et al., 2017]. ments may abruptly fail (see below). The resulting land- The main differences between ­STEP-​­TRAMM and slide pattern is highly localized with relatively few land- other landslide hazard models based on geographic slides within a large catchment area. information systems are the mechanistic representation • The released soil mass is routed as debris flows whose of the local failure and load redistribution that precede path and deposition areas are resolved on the basis of local an abrupt landslide, the simulation of ­catchment-scale​­ topography, thus enabling assessment of ­landscape-scale​­ soil depth, and the spatially resolved coupling of land- debris flow hazards. slide triggering and debris flow runout pathways.

How the STEP-­ TRAMM​­ Model Works ­STEP-​­TRAMM Simulates the Mocoa The model simulates highly localized landslides over a soil and Freetown Events mantle represented by hydraulically and mechanically We have used the ­STEP-​­TRAMM modeling platform and interacting hexagonal soil columns ­1–10­ meters across available data to compute landslide triggering and debris (Figure 2) [Lehmann and Or, 2012; von Ruette et al., 2013]. flow runout paths for the Mocoa and Freetown 2017 This model, like other landslide models, calculates the bal- landslide events at a spatial resolution of 10 meters (Fig- ance of forces acting on each soil column, where soil ure 3). For the Mocoa event, the simulations produced strength varies with soil wetting and the presence of roots. 80 landslides with a total soil volume of 200,000 cubic Unlike most other landslide models, STEP-­ TRAMM​­ goes meters, and these were transformed into simulated further, continuously calculating load redistribution debris flows. among columns whenever the force exceeds a strength The simulations show that many debris flows reached threshold. The local hydrology and water content play an the streams at the bottom of the slopes and were subse- important role in determining soil mechanical response— quently transported to Mocoa. For the Freetown event, these metrics are calculated from infiltration rates, runoff, the impact of the debris was more direct because the and water flow through the soil and along the underlying released mass advanced directly toward the town. bedrock. Satellite images allow us to compare simulated debris Within the model, an interconnected group of failed soil flow pathways with the actual path of the damage, as columns forms a landslide. The soil mass released in the shown for Mocoa in Figure 4. The simulations do not simulated landslide event is fed into a debris flow runout reproduce all observed pathways, but they do capture the

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 35 Fig. 3. STEP-­ TRAMM​­ simulations of landslide soil mass releases (purple areas) and debris flow runout ( warm colors indicate different calculated prob- abilities of runout). The brown shapes show the actual debris flow and river areas causing damage, as delineated from satellite images. (a) In Mocoa, many runout paths reached the channels of the river network. Landslide material accumulated in these channels and eventually was mobilized and caused destruction in the town (brown areas). (b) In Freetown, the landslide was transformed into debris flows that destroyed the part of the town at the botto∏m of the slope

main features of the ­real-​­world event, such as the con- release locations. Our simulations of the two 2017 landslide centration of landslides in a limited area in the eastern part disasters were based entirely on remote sensing informa- of the catchment. Global deforestation maps show that tion and educated guesses of initial conditions, without several of the patches where landslides originated were local calibration. Nevertheless, STEP-­ TRAMM​­ has been deforested sometime between 2002 and 2016, suggesting a able to capture the salient features of landslide release potential role of deforestation in promoting the onset of events, including the numbers of individual slides, vol- landslides in this region. umes of material, and approximate locations in the land- scape. Outlook and Potential Applications The ­STEP-​­TRAMM platform offers a means for Inherent heterogeneity and the complexity of ­landslide-​ informed scenario generation, analyses of past events, ­triggering processes preclude exact prediction of landslide and creating physically based risk mitigation strategies at the catchment scale. It could also be used to generate new science, for example, to sys- tematically study how present and future rainfall characteristics and land use changes (e.g., deforestation) could affect landslide patterns. Additional testing across regions and con- ditions clearly is required. Nonetheless, we hope that the natural hazards community will make use of this tool, which is publicly avail- able at http://bit​­ .​ ly/­ STEP​­ -​ TRAMM,­ to advance process understanding.

References Fan, L., et al. (2017), Linking rainfall-­ induced​­ landslides with debris flows runout patterns towards catchment scale hazard assessment, Geomorphology, 280, 1–­ 15,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1016/­ j​ .​ geomorph­ .​ 2016­ ​ .10­ .​ 007.­ Lehmann, P., and D. Or (2012), Hydromechanical triggering of land- slides: From progressive local failures to mass release, Water Resour. Res., 48, W03535, https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1029/­ 2011WR010947.​­ Rickenmann, D. (1999), Empirical relationships for debris flows, Nat. Hazards, 19, 47–­ 77,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1023/­ A​­ :​ 1008064220727.­ von Ruette, J., P. Lehmann, and D. Or (2013), Rainfall-triggered shallow landslides at catchment scale: Threshold mechanics-based Fig. 4. Observed (yellow) and simulated (red) debris flow paths in Mocoa, with white modeling for abruptness and localization, Water Resour. Res., 49, 6,266–­ 6,285,​­ https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ .​ 1002/­ wrcr​­ .​ 20418.­ polygons indicating overlap (inset shows a ground-­ level​­ view of the area indicated). The complex processes occurring at various scales and the coarse resolution of the freely Author Information available data used to produce the model resulted in an inexact match between Peter Lehmann (email: peter­ .​ lehmann@­ env​­ .​ ethz­ ​ observed and simulated flow paths. However, the model accurately concentrated most .ch),­ Jonas von Ruette, and Dani Or, Soil and of the landslides in the eastern region, which is also where the observed landslides Terrestrial Environmental Physics, Institute of were most concentrated. This region appears at top left in the main map and at right in Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH the inset. Several areas within this region were previously deforested. Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

36 // Eos December 2018 Dive into Ocean Issues with Sherman’s Lagoon

By Randy Showstack

Sherman’s Lagoon is a popular comic strip that focuses on the everyday, all-too-human foibles of a cast of sea creatures while also sometimes tackling weighty issues about threats to the ocean. Above, Sherman, a shark, and Hawthorne, a hermit crab, read the latest issue of Eos. Credit: © Jim Toomey

ho knew there was so much drama And as they go about their lives, their antics display their underwater? all-too-human foibles. Every day, the popular comic strip But the comic strip often ventures into deeper waters. Sherman’s Lagoon dishes up the goofy It mixes in real and important information about the ocean exploits of a happy-go-lucky shark, and about the serious environmental issues that the char- his wife, and their neighbors, who acters sometimes encounter. live in a fictitious and mostly friendly tropical lagoon. Earlier this year, for instance, Sherman’s Lagoon story WThey take on such seemingly weighty matters as silly lines not only revolved around schemes such as establish- sea-oriented business ideas, dating in the depths, com- ing a new underwater record for toppling dominoes but puter hassles, and fulfilling bucket lists and grocery lists. also drew attention to World Oceans Day and the March for

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 37 the Ocean. And in the past it has focused on marine debris, It should be about our kids and about our Earth. So I try not climate change, bottom trawling, overfishing, coral reefs to take sides in the politics too much, at least not overtly. under pressure, and other threats to the ocean and its And that way, I can preserve a bigger audience, I think.” creatures. Toomey said that if he had a few minutes with Presi- Sherman’s Lagoon “is about trying to find that human dent Donald Trump, he would tell him that “whether connection while also sneaking a conservation message in you’re a hunter or religious, there is a lot of hidden envi- or an ocean fact,” cartoonist and strip creator Jim Toomey ronmentalism on the conservative side that you should told Eos. pay attention to.”

Entertainment and a Little Bit More The Birth of the Comic Strip Sherman’s Lagoon, which appears in more than 250 newspa- The idea for the comic strip first took root when Toomey pers in North America, stars Sherman, the shark; Megan, was about 12 years old. On a trip to the Caribbean, his who tries to keep her husband, Sherman, on a tight leash; father, a former U.S. Navy pilot, flew the family’s six-seat Hawthorne, a party-pooping hermit crab; Filmore, a studi- Cessna 210 aircraft about 150 meters above the sea’s clear ous sea turtle; and Ernest, a nerdy fish driven to nefarious- waters. The ocean appeared as more than “the big gray ness. veneer” that Toomey had been used to seeing from a “Fundamentally, I try to entertain. If I don’t do that, then beach. Instead, during that flight he noticed the underwa- I get fired,” Toomey mused. “So it’s entertainment, it’s sto- ter landscape with its hills and valleys and realized that the rytelling, it’s hopefully evoking a little bit of a laugh or a ocean world “is just as rich” as the world on land. giggle or amusement. And then if I can accomplish all that, I “I saw a shark in a small lagoon, and for me that was the oftentimes will try to weave in something a little bit more.” birth of Sherman’s Lagoon,” he said. “I was wondering what Toomey said that he tries to weave in those larger mes- it would be like to get into the head of that shark.” sages in a way that keeps the comic strip fun and apolitical. Toomey recalled thinking “how cool it would be to be “Environmentalism has become a kind of partisan issue, that shark in that lagoon and have that whole lagoon to and it’s really important to keep [the strip] away from the yourself and be the master of this place.” politics,” he said. It took him about 15 years to turn that initial inspiration He noted that a few decades ago there was far less parti- into a comic strip. Toomey, who worked as a political car- sanship on environmental issues. Now, though, “I’ll toonist until he tired of the negativity and cynicism, address an environmental issue, and people will email me remembers getting a book about sea life and thinking that and tell me to stop the liberal claptrap,” he said. “My “these characters are right out of central casting. Holly- response is that it shouldn’t really be a red or a blue issue. wood could not dream up a stranger cast of characters.”

(Top) A panel of Sherman’s Lagoon that published on World Oceans Day, 8 June 2018, and (bottom) a comic strip from 1 November 2017 on bot- tom trawling, one of the many important ocean issues that Toomey has focused on in Sherman’s Lagoon. © Jim Toomey

38 // Eos December 2018 (Top) Sherman’s Lagoon comic strip from 27 November 2009, highlighting the issue of marine debris, and (bottom) one from 12 November 2009, referring to eff orts to conduct a census of marine life. Credit: © Jim Toomey

More Than a Creator of Comics issues “and how to wrap entertainment sweetness around In addition to his comic strip and his many Sherman’s a bitter pill of the environmental message.” Twice, he has Lagoon books, Toomey has also done a number of humor- received environmental hero awards from the National ous and educational short videos with the Pew Charitable Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In 2014, Toomey Trusts, United Nations Environment Programme, and oth- was the artist in residence on the DSV Alvin, a U.S. Navy ers. To view one about ocean acidification, visit http:// bit deep-ocean submersible vehicle operated by the Woods . ly/ Toomey - video. Toomey has also given a TED talk about Hole Oceanographic Institution. his work (see http://bit . ly/ Toomey - TED). Toomey earned a master’s degree in environmental Court Jester management in 2008 to help him better understand ocean The comic strip “is a little bit like a sitcom” because the story arc has to take you back to where you were at the beginning, Toomey said. “Everybody has to be the same, in the same place, the same status, unlike, say, a novel or a movie where there is a radical upheaval and things are very different in the end.” He maps out some of the story arc in advance, but not all of it. “You don’t plan it all out in the beginning. You just kind of go with the flow. It’s like improvising a bedtime story to a child,” said Toomey. Is he trying to make a difference with the comic strip by incorporating environmental issues? “Sometimes I am, and sometimes I’m just trying to entertain,” he said. “I feel like there are other people who are actually doing the real work, and I’m kind of the court jester. I feel like the more I can tell the public, the better world we’ll have. But I don’t think everybody’s waiting for me to do that.”

Jim Toomey, creator of Sherman’s Lagoon, fl anked by (left) Sher- Author Information man and Filmore. Credit: © Jim Toomey Randy Showstack (@ RandyShowstack), Staff Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 39 AGU NEWS

Celebrating the 2018 Class of Fellows

AGU has selected its new class of Fellows. The organization will recognize these esteemed scientists at Fall Meeting 2018 in Washington, D. C., during the Honors Tribute on Wednesday, 12 December 2018, at which President-elect Robin Bell will present the newly elected class. Please welcome our 62 colleagues who have joined our AGU College of Fellows! A brief statement of the achievements for which each of the 62 Fellows was elected is provided below.

Jess F. Adkins Donald Francis Argus Paul A. Baker For pioneering new approaches and theories for the physical For outstanding geophysical research in tectonic plate For fundamental contributions to our understanding and chemical roles of the deep ocean in climate change. motions, terrestrial fluxes of ice and water, earthquake of marine sedimentary geochemistry hazards, and geodetic reference frames. and the climate history of tropical South America.

Cecilia Bitz Nina Buchmann Marc W. Caffee For fundamental advances in high-latitude climate dynamics For her pioneering work to understand ecophysiological For his many contributions to highly precise and the modeling of sea ice for climate applications. mechanisms regulating ecosystem carbon dynamics locally, measurement of isotopic abundances and applications regionally, and across diverse ecosystems. to elucidating Earth’s history.

Gregory R. Carmichael Andrew Cohen Patrick M. Crill For his seminal role in the development and application For major contributions using modern and ancient lakes For deepening our understanding of the processes of atmospheric chemical transport models. as archives of past climates and environmental change. controlling methane emissions from the equator to the poles.

40 // Eos December 2018 AGU NEWS

Thomas L. Delworth Donna Eberhart-Phillips Kerry Emanuel For fundamental contributions to understanding For fundamental contributions to the seismotectonic For the elucidation of fundamental dynamics Atlantic decadal climate variability, climate impact, analysis of subduction zones and fault zones and thermodynamics of moist processes and community service in model development. and innovations in seismic tomography. in meteorology and climate.

Andrew T. Fisher Marilyn L. Fogel Hayley J. Fowler For breakthroughs and discoveries in marine and terrestrial For pioneering breakthroughs and extensive For major contributions to the prediction hydrogeology, geothermics, method development, achievement in isotopic biogeochemistry and leadership of hydrologic impacts of climate change. and modeling of coupled flows. in establishing the field of biogeosciences.

S. Peter Gary Steven Ghan Joris Gieskes For fundamental advances in space plasma physics For pioneering contributions to the modeling For his pioneering contributions to understanding and sustained contribution to understanding the implications and characterization of aerosols and clouds in the chemical processes in the ocean, sediment, and basalt of plasma physics in space observations. atmosphere and to innovative climate analysis methods. through pore water analyses and ocean drilling.

Karl-Heinz Glassmeier Dorothy K. Hall Charles Harvey For multiple fundamental transformational For pioneering, innovative, and sustained research For breakthroughs in describing the fate and transport contributions to space and planetary physics. for 44 years on global remote sensing of arsenic in groundwater and bold field explorations of the Earth’s cryosphere. of large-scale human–environment interactions.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 41 AGU NEWS

Sidney R. Hemming Benjamin P. Horton Bruce Frank Houghton For major contributions using geochemical and isotopic For pioneering work on relative sea level proxies, For contributions to the nature, state, tracers for sediments to reveal geological processes which are transforming our understanding of Holocene and kinematics of volcanic products and novel and events through Earth’s history. sea level changes and coastal hazards. insights into volcanic eruption processes.

Catherine Jeandel Tomo Katsura Kimitaka Kawamura For major contributions on the marine biogeochemical cycles For fundamental contributions to high-pressure mineral For his many pioneering and transformative contributions of trace elements and exploiting them and their isotopes physics and the structure and properties of Earth’s mantle. in understanding the origins, interactions, and fates as tracers in chemical oceanography. of organic aerosols in the troposphere.

Simon L. Klemperer Cin-Ty Lee Jos Lelieveld For fundamental studies of the structure and evolution For diverse contributions to understanding continent For outstanding contributions to the understanding of oceans and continents and their margins. formation mechanisms and the interconnectedness of atmospheric chemical processes and the impact of Earth’s interior with the surface environment. of air pollution on climate and human health.

Philippe Lognonné Timothy William Lyons Trevor J. McDougall For pioneering development of ionospheric seismology For exploring the evolution of Earth’s oceans For the discovery of new ocean mixing processes and unique contributions to the field of planetary seismology. and atmosphere and their cause and effect and pioneering new thermodynamic variables and concepts relationships with the origins of life. that have become standard tools in oceanography.

42 // Eos December 2018 AGU NEWS

Bruno Merz Stephen Montzka Rumi Nakamura For groundbreaking contributions to integrating For advances in detecting and understanding changes For fundamental contributions to the understanding flood vulnerability and hazard research. in atmospheric trace gases that affect of plasma transport and acceleration in Earth’s magnetotail. stratospheric ozone, air quality, and climate.

Heidi Nepf Victor Pasko Adina Paytan For seminal contributions to the theory, modeling, For developing new understanding of lightning-driven For major contributions to ocean biogeochemistry and environmental applications of flow and transport electrical gas discharges in the upper regions and seawater chemical history. through aquatic vegetation. of Earth’s atmosphere.

Christa D. Peters-Lidard Balaji Rajagopalan César R. Ranero For outstanding contributions to understanding For fundamental contributions in hydroclimatology For basic research on spreading ridges, bend faults land surface dynamics and for visionary leadership and stochastic hydrology and in understanding fostering mantle serpentinization, and fluid flux in coupled modeling and data assimilation. the Indian monsoon rainfall variability. in subduction zones affecting seismogenesis.

Geoffrey Reeves Josh Roering David B. Rowley For extraordinary leadership and fundamental scientific For innovative contributions to hillslope geomorphology, For his groundbreaking work on plate tectonics contributions in the field of the Earth’s radiation belt synthesizing the dynamic influences of weathering, and the evolution of its mountain belts. and energetic particle dynamics. sediment transport, and biotic activity.

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 43 AGU NEWS

Vincent J. M. Salters Gavin A. Schmidt Richard Seager For fundamental contributions to understanding mantle For sustained excellence in climate research; For pioneering contributions in tropical climate dynamics evolution and dynamics through hafnium isotope innovative use of diagnostic data; and clear communication and the dynamics of natural and human-induced sources and trace element geochemistry. of climate change, past, present, and future. of hydrologic variability and drought.

Nikolai Shapiro Eli A. Silver Mark Simons For outstanding contributions in theoretical For fundamental contributions to the paradigm of plate For seminal scientific advances and leadership and observational seismology, notably in the development tectonics and for wide-ranging work expanding of the community in the study of crustal deformation of Earth-imaging methods based on ambient noise. understanding of subduction and collision processes. and gravity observations.

Brad Singer Lee Slater David Tarboton For his pioneering applications of geochronology For visionary experimentation in near-surface geophysics For fundamental contributions that have advanced to understanding magmatic systems, that has advanced understanding of subsurface hydrologic information systems and hydrologic modeling. geomagnetism, and climate. hydrogeological and biogeochemical processes.

Visit https://eos.org/ agu-news

for more articles Doerthe Tetzlaff Friedhelm von Blanckenburg For fundamental insights into physical processes For major contributions in applying isotope geochemistry about AGU honors. controlling streamflow in headwaters and their influence to Earth’s surface and crustal processes. on stream chemistry and aquatic ecology.

44 // Eos December 2018 AGU NEWS

Christopher R. Webster Naohiro Yoshida Vladimir E. Zakharov For development and application of tunable laser For being the world’s leading biogeochemist For seminal, pioneering contributions, particularly spectroscopy investigations to address fundamental and atmospheric chemist studying bioelement cycles on solitons and wave turbulence, with applications questions in Earth and planetary science. through innovative isotope exchanged molecule tracers. to oceans, plasmas, and nonlinear geophysics.

Fuqing Zhang Pei-zhen Zhang Francis W. Zwiers For fundamental understanding of multiscale predictability For his profound work on tectonics and seismic hazard For leading contributions to climate science, pioneering and dynamics and for breakthroughs in hurricane prediction in Asia and for his leadership in establishing and analyzing the use of advanced statistical techniques from evaluating through ensemble data assimilation. one of the world’s great GPS networks. predictions to extreme event analysis.

PARTICIPATE Attend Centennial Plenary Dec 14 Part of AGU’s Fall Meeting

fallmeeting.agu.org

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 45 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Yellow Detritus in the Oceans May Help Reduce Warming

In this image of of the Mackenzie River Delta flowing into the Beaufort Sea in July 2017, captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager instrument, theyellow- ­ tinted­ swirls are caused by phytoplankton, along with dissolved organic matter and water molecules. Credit: Norman Kuring, NASA/GSFC/OBPG

quick glance from an airplane window offers insights into how inputs from coastal which triggered a thermal contraction of shows that the ocean looks kind of environments may alter oceans and how ocean waters and a ­6-­centimeter reduction A blue, whereas a satellite view reveals those alterations could influence global cli- in sea surface height. varying shades that reflect the water depth mate change. At the surface, the yellow ocean simulation and the amount of material floating near the The researchers ran two Earth system indicated increased solar heating at 0- to surface. Waters thick with phytoplankton and model simulations for 300-­ ​­year time spans, ­10-meter depth but less sunlight (and cooler dissolved organic matter absorb and scatter with CDM data collected by NASA’s Moderate waters) at 20- to ­30-meter depth. This result light near the surface, shifting the visual Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer suggests that detritus leads to shallower light properties of the water and changing its instrument. The models contained fully cou- absorption, preferentially heating water close appearance. pled ­land-ocean-​­ ​­atmosphere-ice​­ compo- to the surface. One variation of ­light-​­attenuating material nents. In the “green ocean” control simula- The results run counter to recent observa- in the water is known as colored detrital mat- tion, only phytoplankton attenuated light; in tions of ocean warming and suggest that an ter (CDM), which tints the water yellow. CDM the “yellow ocean” experimental simulation, influx of CDM may mitigate the effects of a is an agglomeration of dissolved organic mol- both phytoplankton and CDM attenuated warming climate. Although the simulations ecules and detritus; most of it is material light. may not match the actual magnitude of washed from the land into the ocean during In the model simulations, the yellow changing light conditions in the future ocean, storms, but it can also form in situ or be sea- ocean was more opaque than the green they do highlight how dissolved organic mat- floor lifted to the surface by vertical ocean ocean, and the conditions in the yellow ter can influence ocean heating and circula- currents. Scientists predict that increasing ocean resulted in lower sea surface tempera- tion. The study illuminates a path to future precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere in tures, reduced ocean heat content, and work exploring the links between land and the future will deposit more of this yellow decreased sea surface height after 300 years. ocean processes, particularly at high lati- material in the coastal aquatic environment. Globally, the temperature of the upper 700 tudes. (Geophysical Research Letters, https://​­doi​ Kim et al. explored how outwash affects meters in the yellow ocean simulation was .­org/​­10​.­1029/​­2018GL077297, 2018) —Aaron ocean heating and temperature. The research colder than in the green ocean simulation, ­Sidder, Freelance Writer

46 // Eos December 2018 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Conserving Riverside Habitat Could Bolster Bottom Lines

he global production of palm oil has model to estimate how physical changes in more than doubled since the turn of the river’s position affected economic T the century. The oil accounts for returns from oil palm crops on the flood- nearly a third of the world’s vegetable oil plain. Each model ran under two scenarios: use and appears in commercial products with a habitat buffer and without one. ranging from shampoo to biodiesel. The results of the river channel migra- The tropics support the growth of the tion simulations suggest that the removal palm oil industry, much to the detriment of of riverbank vegetation could cause the tropical forest ecosystems. In Malaysia and river to shift course when it otherwise Indonesia alone, 9.5 million forested hect- might not, especially over longer times- ares were converted into oil palm planta- cales. Over 100 simulated years, the tions between 1990 and 2010. This land amount of land lost under the no-­ buffer​­ conversion spurs drastic environmental scenario was significantly greater than the change and reduces the natural benefits losses with a riparian buffer. Along reaches that humans gain from the land, especially where modeled erosion rates were particu- This photograph, shot from a drone, shows an oil palm plantation in riparian ecosystems that border streams larly high, the absence of a forested buffer planted right up to the river’s bank. Credit: ConservationDrones​ and rivers. Pollination, water filtration, and cost a plantation the equivalent of three .­org, CC BY 2.0 (http://​­bit​.­ly/​­ccby2​-­0) erosion control are some of the ecosystem rows of oil palms beside the river. services that suffer when forests become The results indicate that on timescales oil palm plantations. longer than a decade, plantation returns may increase in response to According to new research by Horton et al., however, many of these the habitat buffer. Although yields may initially suffer because of services could be retained if plantations implemented riparian buf- reduced planting space along the water, native vegetation stretching fers—protected habitat along riverbanks—instead of planting crops ­10–30​­ meters from the bank can ultimately prevent erosion and help right up to the water’s edge. There are benefits for farmers too: The protect the plantation from flood damage. study suggests that over time the riparian buffers could actually Farmers will likely always struggle to balance conservation and prof- increase crop yield. itability, but this research suggests that in the long term, adding a dose The researchers simulated river channel migration and bank erosion of river management to oil palm agriculture could have significant eco- over 25-­ year­ intervals for 100 years. Drawing on remote sensing imag- nomic and environmental impacts. (Earth’s Future, https://doi​­ .​ org/­ 10​­ ​ ery and estimates of plantation productivity, they used a numerical .1029/­ 2018EF000874,​­ 2018) —Aaron Sidder, Freelance Writer

Increasing Radiation Levels May Challenge Space Exploration

he Sun’s magnetic activity oscillates on a roughly ­11-year​­ and that an unshielded astronaut could be exposed to as much as cycle, but our star has been pretty magnetically mellow lately. 20% more radiation with each passing cycle. The new results indicate T After an average peak in 2001, magnetic activity from the Sun that the radiation environment is even worse than predicted—by declined during the longest solar minimum period in the past about 10%. 80 years, bottoming out around 2009. The following “minipeak” in The scientists suggest that most of the extra radiation exposure 2014 was far smaller than average, and the Sun’s magnetic activity is comes from ­low-​­energy cosmic ray particles. Although ­lower-​ again in a declining phase expected to last until around 2020. ­energy particles are easier to shield against, the scientists suggest Although lower magnetic activity from the Sun is generally associ- that the extra 10% may still impose limits on space exploration in ated with fewer and less severe space weather events, another threat the future. can emerge when the Sun goes quiet: cosmic rays zipping through In the course of evaluating the radiation environment, CRaTER the galaxy. Periods of lower solar magnetic activity can still pose a also got a chance to observe one of the largest solar energetic parti- high risk for space exploration, as cosmic rays can move more freely cle events of the past solar cycle, which occurred in September 2017. through the solar system with less magnetic interference from the The authors’ data suggest that a series of magnetically well con- Sun. Over this latest period of anomalously low magnetic field nected coronal mass ejections is responsible for the uptick in radia- strength, the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation tion. As the future of space exploration progresses, understanding (CRaTER) on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) gave Schwadron events like these and the risks that the worsening radiation environ- et al. a chance to measure solar radiation directly. ment pose to both crew and spacecraft will become increasingly Prior to the recent analysis of CRaTER data, studies in 2014 showed important. (Space Weather, https://​­doi​.­org/​­10​.­1002/​­2017SW001803, that radiation between Earth and the Sun was increasing over time 2018) —David Shultz, Freelance Writer

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 47 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

send a CV and letter of interest to Paul The successful candidate will instruct environmental change including cli- Siqueira ([email protected]) with undergraduate courses, as well as grad- mate change, air sea exchange; photo- “MIRSL Post Doc Application” in the uate courses in the candidate’s spe- chemistry; coastal, estuarine, wetland subject heading. All interested candi- cialty. and river geochemistry & biogeochem- dates should submit their materials Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or istry; sediment geochemistry; ­fluid-​ prior to January 15. The position will equivalent) degree in ­solid-earth​­ geo- ­rock interactions; igneous geochemis- remain open until filled. science or a related discipline, and try; noble gas geochemistry; and demonstrate excellence and innovation isotope systematics, including radio- Geochemistry through publications and grants/con- chemistry. MC&G scientific staff con- tracts in isotope geochemistry (radio- ducts research throughout the world’s Assistant Professor-­ Chemistry​­ & genic and/or non-­ traditional​­ stable open-­ ocean,​­ deep-­ sea,​­ coastal and Geochemistry isotope) or geochemistry, with the inland environments, develops sensors The Chemistry and Geochemistry capacity to lead research in isotope for in-­ situ​­ measurements, analyzes Department at Montana Tech is seek- geochemistry. The specific research samples using state-­ of-​­ the-​­ art​­ ana- ing a ­tenure-track​­ assistant professor specialty is open. The candidate must lytical techniques, carries out with expertise in Analytical Chemistry have a minimum of 7 years of research laboratory-­ based​­ experimental studies, or another closely related discipline. experience beyond the Ph.D. degree, and applies computer models and This position requires an earned Ph.D. and must have ­first-hand​­ experience remote sensing techniques. For more by the job start date of August 15, 2019 in setting up, running, and maintain- information about this job and to apply and is contingent on funding. Primary ing a multiple instrument ­ICP-​­MS online, please visit http://careers​.whoi­ ​ teaching responsibilities will be in facility and clean laboratory. .edu,­ navigate to ‘Current Opportuni- Quantitative Chemical Analysis, To apply, please email the following ties’ and respond to Job Reference 18-­ ​ Advanced Instrumental Analysis, the to epsicpms@utk​­ .​ edu,­ with the subject ­10-06.​­ Review of applications will General Chemistry series, and other line ‘Isotope geochemistry search:’ full begin on 12/17/2018. areas as needed. Development of an curriculum vitae, cover letter describ- active, funded research program is ing research and teaching experience, Interdisciplinary expected using both undergraduate and philosophy, and plans, and names of graduate students. Research areas 4 references with contact information. Assistant/Associate Professor, Geod- including, but not limited to, analytical Applications received by 7 January, esy or Remote Sensing chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, 2019, are ensured review, but earlier The Department of Geology & Geo- and environmental chemistry are tar- submission is highly encouraged. The physics at the University of Utah seeks geted for strategic development within position will remain open until filled. applications for a tenure track position the department as is supporting the Questions about the position should be at the Assistant or Associate Professor newly proposed Earth Science and directed to Dr. Chris Fedo (cfedo@​­utk​ level in geodesy or remote sensing Engineering PhD program. Other .edu).­ For those attending, we will beginning fall 2019. The successful candidate will be expected to develop duties as required may be assigned. meet with selected candidates at the For more information and to apply 2018 GSA Annual Meeting in Indianap- an internationally visible, externally visit https://montanatechuniversity​­ ​ olis and the 2018 AGU Fall Meeting in funded research program and teach .applytojob­ .​ com/­ apply​­ Washington DC. Please contact departmental courses at the under- Dr. Chris Fedo, chair, with any ques- graduate and graduate levels. A Ph.D. is Biogeosciences FACULTY POSITION IN ISOTOPE tions at cfedo@utk​­ .​ edu­ required at the time of appointment. GEOCHEMISTRY AND GEOCHEMIS- The University of Tennessee is seek- We will consider candidates in a broad Post Doctoral Opportunity for Soil TRY ing candidates who have the ability to range of specialties in geodesy and Moisture and Microwave Remote The Department of Earth and Plane- contribute in meaningful ways to the remote sensing. Example specialties Sensing tary Sciences, University of Tennessee, diversity and intercultural goals of the include: GPS, InSAR, gravity, Lidar, The Microwave Remote Sensing Knoxville, invites applications for a University. The University is an EEO/ multi-­ band​­ and hyperspectral imag- Laboratory (MIRSL) at the University of nine-­ month,​­ tenure-­ line​­ position in AA/Title VI/Section 504/ADA/ADEA ing. We particularly welcome candi- Massachusetts is looking for a ­Post-​ Isotope Geochemistry and Geochemis- institution in the provision of its edu- dates who contribute to the existing ­Doctoral scholar in the field of Micro- try to be hired at the rank of Associate cation and employment programs and departmental strengths, especially in wave Remote Sensing to work on the Professor. The successful candidate will services. All qualified applicants will one or more of three broad topical topics of remote sensing of agricultural develop a successful program of exter- receive equal consideration for areas in which future growth is envi- and natural ecosystems, and in the nally funded research in isotope geo- employment without regard to race, sioned: (1) Surface Processes and Haz- measuring soil moisture beneath for- chemistry and geochemistry that color, national origin, religion, sex, ards, (2) Sustainable Resource Science ested canopies. The interested candi- includes supervision of undergraduate pregnancy, marital status, sexual ori- and Engineering, and (3) Earth and date will be able to perform field work and graduate students, post-­ doctoral​­ entation, gender identity, age, physical Planetary Evolution. The Department and analysis of active and passive ­L-​ researchers, and technical staff. The or mental disability, or covered veteran of Geology & Geophysics is housed in ­band microwave data collected by air- candidate will provide primary over- status. the state-­ of-​­ the-​­ art​­ Sutton Building, a borne and spaceborne platforms. Skills sight of a newly created ­ICP-​­MS core sustainably-­ designed​­ building with should include the ability to work in a facility, which will include quadrupole Tenure Track Scientist – Marine modern research and teaching facili- Unix environment with Python, Mat- and multi-­ collector​­ ICP-­ MS​­ instru- Chemistry & Geochemistry ties. Related campus research infra- lab, QGIS and a lower level program- ments, a laser ablation system, and a The Marine Chemistry & Geochem- structure includes the University of ming language such as C or FORTRAN. clean laboratory housed in the Depart- istry Department at the Woods Hole Utah Seismograph Stations, the Global The successful applicant will work on ment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) – Change and Sustainability Center, the the SMAPVEX19 field campaign, SAR located within the newly constructed www.​ whoi­ .​ edu­ –​ invites­ exceptional Center for High Performance Comput- time series analysis from UAVSAR, Strong Hall. All laboratory spaces are candidates to apply to one or more of ing, the Scientific Computing and ALOS and Sentinel-­ 1,​­ and on algorithm new and purpose-­ built​­ for the core our tenure track positions on our sci- Imaging Institute, and the Department development for the upcoming NISAR facility, with significant university entific staff. The successful candi- of Geography. Opportunities also exist satellite mission. resources available for equipment pur- date(s) will conduct research in any within the college for collaboration The Microwave Remote Sensing chase. Associated responsibilities area of marine chemistry and geo- with the Departments of Mining Engi- Laboratory at UMass has a ­40-year​­ his- include financial oversight and subse- chemistry that complements existing neering, Atmospheric Sciences, and tory in the development of sensors and quent set-­ up,​­ operation, and mainte- programs on the chemistry of the Metallurgical Engineering. Evaluation algorithms for environmental applica- nance of a recharge-­ based,​­ multi-­ ​ ocean and its interactions with the of applications will begin on Decem- tions. The lab itself supports airborne ­instrument facility available for Earth as a whole. Core departmental ber 1, 2018, and continue until the interferometric SARs at S-,­ ­Ku- and department, university, and external strengths include: biogeochemistry position is filled. ­Ka-band​­ that are used in support of users. In addition, the candidate is and organic geochemistry; microbial To apply, candidates should satellite missions and land-­ surface​­ expected to perform rank-­ appropriate​­ ecology and molecular biology; carbon, submit (1) statement of interest, imaging. Interested candidates should departmental and university service. nutrient, and trace element cycling; (2) summary of current research activi-

48 // Eos December 2018 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

ties and future research and funding include, but are not limited to biogeo- plans, (3) teaching statement describing chemical cycles, Chesapeake Bay, teaching philosophy and proposed modeling the interaction between courses at the graduate and undergrad- human and natural systems, the uate levels for the University of Utah, oceans and polar science. (4) diversity statement describing com- Applicants should submit the fol- mitment to diversity, equity, and inclu- lowing: (1) ­one-page​­ cover letter sion and the mentoring of diverse stu- describing their interest in the posi- Department of Geosciences dents and junior colleagues, tion; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) teaching (5) curriculum vitae, and (6) names and statement; (4) research statement; PRINCETON UNIVERSITY contact information for five referees. (5) diversity and inclusion statement; HARRY HESS FELLOWS PROGRAM Research and teaching statements (6) the names and contact information should be limited to four pages each. of three persons who can provide let- The Department of Geosciences at Princeton University announces Upload application materials to: https:// ters of recommendation. Position will employment.​ utah­ .​ edu/­ salt​­ -​ lake­ -​ city­ -​ ut/­ remain open until filled and best con- competition for the 2019-2020 Harry Hess Fellows Program. This assistant​-­or​-­associate​-­professor/​ sideration will be given to applications honorific postdoctoral fellowship program provides opportunities for ­A3F66F295408479797DA8B172A1A2E3F/​ submitted by 12/31/2018. outstanding geoscientists to work in the field of their choice. Research ­job/. The Department of Atmospheric & may be carried out independently or in collaboration with members of the Specific questions about the posi- Oceanic Science especially encourages tion should be directed to M. Thorne applications from women, underrepre- Geosciences Department. One or more Hess Fellows may be appointed. [michael.​ thorne@­ utah​­ .​ edu].­ More sented minorities and those who can Applications are welcome from candidates who have earned a Ph.D. in Information about the Department of contribute to a climate of inclusivity. the last five years or expect to have a Ph.D. by the start of the fellowship. Geology and Geophysics can be found Candidates who have experience work- Current areas of research include: at: http://www.​ earth­ .​ utah­ .​ edu.­ ing with a diverse range of faculty, stu- EEO/Diversity Information dents and groups are encouraged to The University of Utah is an Affir- identify their experiences in these • Biogeochemical Cycles mative Action/Equal Opportunity areas. • Environmental Chemistry employer and does not discriminate The University of Maryland, College • Geochemistry based upon race, national origin, color, Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, action employer, complies with all • Glaciology gender identity/expression, status as a applicable federal and state laws and • Geomicrobiology person with a disability, genetic infor- regulations regarding nondiscrimina- • Mineral Physics mation, or Protected Veteran status. tion and affirmative action; all quali- • Oceanography Individuals from historically underrep- fied applicants will receive consider- resented groups, such as minorities, ation for employment. The University • Geochronology women, qualified persons with disabil- is committed to a policy of equal • Paleoclimatology ities and protected veterans are opportunity for all persons and does • Paleontology encouraged to apply. Veterans’ prefer- not discriminate on the basis of race, • Petrology ence is extended to qualified appli- color, religion, sex, national origin, cants, upon request and consistent physical or mental disability, protected • Seismology with University policy and Utah state veteran status, age, gender identity or • Tectonics law. Upon request, reasonable accom- expression, sexual orientation, creed, • Atmospheric Science modations in the application process marital status, political affiliation, per- • Planetary Science will be provided to individuals with sonal appearance, or on the basis of disabilities. To inquire about the Uni- rights secured by the First amendment, • Earth History versity’s nondiscrimination or affir- in all aspects of employment, educa- mative action policies or to request tional programs and activities, and Applications are due on January 1, 2019, but evaluation of applications disability accommodation, please con- admissions. tact: Director, Office of Equal Opportu- To apply: http://ejobs​ .​ umd­ .​ edu/­ ​ and interviews of candidates will begin immediately. Applicants should nity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. postings/­ 64554​­ include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) ­581-​ 1-2 page statement of research interests and goals, and name, address and 8365.­ Assistant Professor in Ecosystem email address of three referees familiar with their work by applying on the The University of Utah values candi- Science – Biogeochemistry, Depart- dates who have experience working in ment of Ecosystem Science and Sus- Princeton University jobsite https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/ settings with students from diverse tainability, Colorado State Univer- position/9602. backgrounds, and possess a strong sity, Fort Collins, CO 80523 commitment to improving access to Description: Tenure track, 9-­ month​­ Hess Fellowships provide a competitive annual salary, depending upon higher education for historically academic faculty position underrepresented students. The Department of Ecosystem Sci- experience, along with a significant allowance for travel to meetings and ence and Sustainability at Colorado for research support. Initial awards are for one year, with the possibility Assistant Professor Faculty Position State University (Fort Collins, Colo- of renewal for additional years depending upon satisfactory performance The Department of Atmospheric and rado) is recruiting a new ­tenure-track​­ and available funding. A preferred starting date is on or before September Oceanic Science at the University of faculty member at the rank of ASSIS- Maryland, College Park invites applica- TANT PROFESSOR in ecosystem science 1st, 2019. tions for a tenure track position at the with biogeochemistry and sustainabil- Assistant Professor level. We seek a ity expertise. The position is expected This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. candidate who will develop an active, to start at the beginning of fall 2019 Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified externally funded research effort that Semester. We seek candidates with will complement existing areas of expertise related to (but not restricted applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard expertise within our Department, teach to) land-­ use​­ change and ecosystem to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected at both the graduate and undergradu- services of global systems, ­human-​ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ate levels, and is able to make use of ­modified and managed landscapes, or the unique resources provided by the social-­ ecological​­ systems. The research Earth System Science Interdisciplinary foci can encompass ­small-scale​­ mech- Information about the research activities of the Department of Geosci- Center, the state of Maryland, as well anism to larger, integrative global pro- ences may be viewed at https://www.princeton.edu/geosciences/research/ as the rest of the greater Washington cesses. Research approaches could DC region. Research areas of interest include (but are not limited to) trace

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gas and/or biogeochemical processes, Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic the use of stable isotopes, use of large and racial backgrounds are encouraged data sets, molecular microbial tools, to apply for vacant positions at all lev- modeling, experiments, and ­inter- or els. trans-­ disciplinary​­ studies. Applicants Applications should be submitted should be interested in working in a electronically and include the follow- highly collaborative department and ing: a cover letter, ­curriculum-​­vitae enthusiastic about teaching at both the including a publication list, separate undergraduate and graduate levels, research and teaching statements while contributing to the land grant highlighting past experiences and mission of Colorado State University. future plans, contact information for Teaching responsibilities will include three references, and up to three pre/ courses in ecosystem ecology and bio- reprints of scholarly work. We are cur- geochemistry. We envision an inde- rently hiring two positions in the Envi- pendent researcher who will develop a ronmental Science Department with Department of Geosciences strong, extramurally-­ funded​­ research the second position in Environmental program. The department of ESS has a Sustainability. Reviews of material will PRINCETON UNIVERSITY commitment to actively contributing to begin December 18, 2018. Please sub- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR developing a diverse and inclusive mit materials to http://careers​­ .​ barnard­ ​ environment within the department, .edu/­ postings/​­ 3923.​­ Please direct college, and university, and will expect inquiries to bmaillou@barnard​­ .​ edu.­ The Department of Geosciences at Princeton University is seeking the candidate to contribute to this vision. Assistant Professor in Environmen- applications for a tenure-track assistant professor faculty position To apply and view a full announce- tal Sustainability in geology, broadly defined. We are particularly interested in ment please visit http://jobs​­ .​ colostate­ ​ Barnard College seeks a full time .edu/­ postings/​­ 61686​­ by January 4, 2019 tenure track Assistant Professor in interdisciplinary scientists who could interact productively with for full consideration. Environmental Sustainability, starting existing faculty working in geophysics and/or climate. Possible CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and July 2019. The successful candidate will conducts background checks on all demonstrate a commitment to and fields of specialty include, but are not limited to, petrology, final candidates. experience in teaching undergraduates volcanology, tectonics, glaciology, rock deformation, earth surface along with establishing an active and Assistant Professor in Environmen- externally funded research program processes, and paleontology. tal Science involving undergraduates. Candidates Barnard College seeks a full time in any field related to environmental tenure track Assistant Professor in sustainability, resilience, or environ- Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, including a Environmental Science, starting July mental justice who use ­spatial-​ publication list, a statement of research and teaching interests, and 2019. The successful candidate will ­temporal data analysis, spatial simula- demonstrate a commitment to and tion and modeling, Geographic contact information for three references to https://www.princeton. experience in teaching undergraduates Information Systems (GIS), high per- edu/acad-positions/position/9581. Evaluation of applications will along with establishing an active and formance computing, or visualization externally funded research program in research, are invited to apply. begin as they arrive; for fullest consideration, apply by December involving undergraduates. Candidates Teaching responsibilities could include 21, 2018, but applications will be accepted until the position should be engaged in laboratory and/or courses in Environmental Data Analy- field based research that is accessible sis, GIS, Senior Seminar, and an elec- is filled. to undergraduate students and poten- tive in their research area. tially utilizes the local environment in Barnard is an independent under- the broadly defined areas of atmo- graduate liberal arts college for women Princeton is especially interested in candidates who can contribute spheric science/air quality, ecosystems, in New York City affiliated with Colum- to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. For or resilience to environmental change. bia University. There are many oppor- Teaching responsibilities could include tunities to collaborate with faculty at general information about applying to Princeton and how to courses supporting undergraduate Barnard in Anthropology, Economics, self-identify, please link to http://web.princeton.edu/sites/dof/ research, client based service learning, Urban Studies as well as with research- field methods, GIS, and electives in ers at Columbia’s Earth Institute, ApplicantsInfo.htm. their research area. Lamont-­ Doherty​­ Earth Observatory, Barnard is an independent liberal Mailman School of Public Health, Cen- arts undergraduate college for women ter for International Earth Science Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all in New York City affiliated with Colum- Information Network (CIESIN), the qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment bia University. There are many oppor- International Research Institute for tunities to collaborate with faculty in Climate and Society (IRI), and the without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, the larger research community at Bar- National Center for Disaster Prepared- gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran nard College as well as with research- ness (NCDP). ers at Columbia’s Earth Institute, Barnard College is an Equal Oppor- status, or any other characteristic protected by law. School of Engineering and Applied Sci- tunity Employer. Barnard does not dis- ence, Lamont-­ Doherty​­ Earth Observa- criminate due to race, color, creed, reli- tory, Mailman School of Public Health, gion, sex, sexual orientation, gender This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and/or gender identity or expression, Information about the research activities of the Department of and Environmental Biology. marital or parental status, national ori- Barnard College is an Equal Oppor- gin, ethnicity, citizenship status, vet- Geosciences may be viewed at https://www.princeton.edu/ tunity Employer. Barnard does not dis- eran or military status, age, disability, geosciences/research/. criminate due to race, color, creed, reli- or any other legally protected basis, gion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and to the extent permitted by law. and/or gender identity or expression, Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic marital or parental status, national ori- and racial backgrounds are encouraged gin, ethnicity, citizenship status, vet- to apply for vacant positions at all lev- eran or military status, age, disability, els. or any other legally protected basis, Applications should be submitted and to the extent permitted by law. electronically and include the follow-

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ing: a cover letter, ­curriculum-​­vitae Minority Serving Institution (MSI), a (1) maintain programs with external 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas TX 75205, including a publication list, separate Hispanic-­ Serving​­ Institution (HSI) and funds obtained from a diverse portfolio 214-­ 768-​­ 3601,​­ accessequity@smu​ .​ edu­ research and teaching statements an Asian American and Native Ameri- of funding agencies, (2) oversee pro- Hiring is contingent upon the satis- highlighting past experiences and can Pacific Islander-­ Serving​­ Institution fessional staff, and (3) mentor students factory completion of a background future plans, contact information for (AANAPISI). These federal designations at both the undergraduate and gradu- check. three references, and up to three pre/ align with UCI’s aspiration to be a ate level. The successful applicant will reprints of scholarly work. We are cur- national leader and global model of have a commitment to full participa- Ph.D. Positions in Earth System Sci- rently hiring two positions in the Envi- inclusive excellence. tion in the educational mission of the ence ronmental Science Department with Candidates must have a doctoral department, which is to provide pro- https://vimeo.com/260928738​­ the second position in Environmental degree. Apply online at https://​­recruit​ fessional training in the Earth Sciences www.​ clarku­ .​ edu/departments/­ ­ Science. Reviews of material will begin .ap­ .​ uci­ .​ edu/­ apply/​­ JPF04979​­ or contact in a liberal arts environment. As the geography/graduate/apply.cfm December 18, 2018. Please submit facultysearch@ess​­ .​ uci­ .​ edu.­ Review of third holder of the Chair, which was Applications are invited for Ph.D. materials to http://careers​­ .​ barnard­ ​ applications will begin December 21, established in 1979, the successful can- assistantships within the Graduate .edu/­ postings/​­ 3919​­ and direct inquiries 2018. didate must demonstrate strong School of Geography at Clark Univer- to mstute@barnard​ .​ edu.­ The University of California, Irvine potential to strengthen and expand the sity. Assistantships cover tuition, pro- is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative existing departmental research focus. vide an annual stipend, and include Assistant Professor of Earth System Action Employer advancing inclusive The current focus includes research on eligibility for a competitive fellowship. Science (tenure track): Global change excellence. All qualified applicants will problems in the national interest such Clark’s Earth System Science program impacts on terrestrial ecosystems receive consideration for employment as natural hazards, earthquake seis- features expertise in terrestrial ecosys- The Department of Earth System without regard to race, color, religion, mology – including induced seismicity, tems and global change, hydrology, Science (ESS) at the University of Cali- sex, sexual orientation, gender iden- nuclear test ban treaty monitoring, forest ecology, biogeography, polar sci- fornia, Irvine, invites applications for a tity, national origin, disability, age, natural resources such as geothermal ence, terrestrial and marine biogeo- tenure-­ track​­ faculty position focused protected veteran status, or other pro- energy and problems in global envi- chemistry, disturbance and landscape on the effects of global environmental tected categories covered by the UC ronmental change. Applications can be ecology, GIScience, and remote sens- change on natural or managed terres- nondiscrimination policy. A recipient submitted electronically to https:// ing. For complete details see our web- trial ecosystems. We are particularly of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender apply.​ interfolio­ .​ com/55725.­ site (www.clarku.edu/departments/ interested in applicants who are work- equity, UCI is responsive to the needs Applicants should include a curric- geography), or contact Rachel Levitt ing to quantify, understand and predict of dual career couples, supports ­work-​ ulum vitae, statements of teaching and (Program Administrator) at RLevitt@ the impacts on land surface structure ­life balance through an array of ­family-​ research interests, and contact infor- clarku.​ edu­ / 508-­ 793-​­ 7282.​­ Applicants and function, including vegetation ­friendly policies, and is dedicated to mation for three references. To insure are also encouraged to communicate dynamics, hydrology or biogeochemis- broadening participation in higher full consideration, applications must with prospective advisors (www​.clarku­ ​ try. We welcome applications from education. be received by January 15, 2019, but the .edu/departments/geography/faculty­ ​ researchers who are using a range of committee will continue to accept .cfm).­ approaches, such as manipulations, ­in-​ Matthews Endowed Professor in applications until the position is filled. Clark Geography Ph.D. Program: All situ­ or remotely-­ sensed​­ observations, Earth Sciences The committee will notify applicants of accepted Ph.D. applicants receive guar- or process modeling. The successful Position No. 50601. The Roy M. its decisions after the position is filled. anteed TA/RA stipends applicant will have a strong research Huffington Department of Earth Sci- Ph.D. is required at the time of The Graduate School of Geography agenda, a commitment to excellence in ences announces a search to fill a appointment. at Clark University is internationally teaching, and enthusiasm for joining a named tenured professorship honoring Southern Methodist University will renowned for innovative scholarships collegial, cross-­ disciplinary​­ depart- C.W. Matthews. We are seeking ­mid-​ not discriminate in any program or and is an acknowledged leader in the ment. ­career applicants with active research activity on the basis of race, color, reli- field. Consistently ranked as one of the UC Irvine’s ESS department was programs in the area of the dynamics gion, national origin, sex, age, disabil- ­top-ten​­ graduate programs by the founded to explore the global environ- of fluid-­ rock​­ interaction. The cross-­ ​ ity, genetic information, veteran sta- National Research Council, Clark Geog- mental changes that occur on human disciplinary­ nature of fluid-­ rock​­ inter- tus, sexual orientation, or gender raphy enables graduate students to time scales. The department has 24 full action is such that the successful can- identity or expression. The Executive train with top professionals and partic- time faculty from diverse backgrounds didate may apply techniques from Director for Access and Equity/Title IX ipate in a ­world-class​­ research com- and a goal of understanding how petrology, hydrology, general geo- Coordinator is designated to handle munity. Students are guaranteed tui- human society is changing the land, chemistry, isotope geochemistry, or inquiries regarding nondiscrimination tion remission and Graduate atmosphere, oceans and cryosphere economic geology. The successful policies and may be reached at the Per- Assistantships for a minimum of four (http://www.ess.uci.edu/). UCI is a applicant will exhibit the ability to kins Administration Building, Room years, fostering a ­tight-​­knit, support-

Earth7.5in & x Space 2.95in COLORADOScience News THIRD EOS.indd 1 03/11/18Eos.org 1:30 // AM51 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

ive intellectual community. Having transfer processes in the stream corri- environmental biogeochemistry at the mic hazard. We particularly encourage awarded more Ph.D.s than any other dor and working knowledge of geo- level of Assistant Professor. Faculty applicants with research interests geography program in the U.S., Clark chemical speciation modeling are candidates for higher ranks with related to Active tectonics, Continen- Geography has a reputation for train- required. Experience with multicom- exceptional track records will also be tal/Lithospheric dynamics, Computa- ing future leaders in the field. ponent reactive transport modeling considered. We seek a ­broadly-trained​­ tional Geophysics, Exploration Geo- would be a distinct advantage, as would biogeochemist who complements the physics, or Engineering Seismology. Postdoctoral Research Associate, experience with modeling solute trans- interdisciplinary nature of our geology Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the Biogeochemical Reactive Transport port in the hyporheic zones of streams and environmental science programs. time of employment, and show a Modeling or rivers. Experience and demonstrated While candidates from all ­sub-​ demonstrated record or strong promise Purpose: The Environmental Sci- productivity with numerical models of ­disciplines of earth and environmental of research productivity. The successful ences Division at Oak Ridge National complex phenomena in C/C++ or mod- sciences are encouraged to apply, we candidate is expected to build a vigor- Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral ern versions of Fortran is required, as is are particularly interested in candi- ous, externally funded research pro- researcher to develop and evaluate willingness to learn Python or similar dates with expertise in analytical bio- gram, mentor M.S. and Ph.D. graduate novel multiscale models for reactive scripting tools. You must work inde- geochemistry, biogeochemical data students, and teach graduate courses in transport in stream corridors. pendently and collaboratively as part of mining, climate and biogeochemical her or his specialty. As part of a Uni- Major Duties and Responsibilities: a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. dynamical or statistical modeling, or versity interdisciplinary research cen- You will work as part of a multidisci- Applicants must have received their the exposome. Opportunities for col- ter, CERI faculty are engaged in a vari- plinary team studying mercury trans- most recent degree less than five years laboration exist with departmental ety of regional, national, and port and transformation processes in prior to the date of application and research groups (https://www.uta.edu/ international research projects ­low-order​­ streams. You will develop must complete all degree requirements ees/) and other research groups of data (https://www​­ .​ memphis­ .​ edu/­ ceri/).​­ models for nutrient and contaminant before starting their appointment. science, analytical chemistry, ecology, More information about this position dynamics in ­low-order​­ streams, taking The appointment length will be up and genomics in the College of Science. can be obtained by contacting the chair into account ­rate-limited​­ mass trans- to 24 months with the possibility of an Our geochemistry analytical strengths of the search committee, Eunseo Choi fer between the flowing streams and extension of up to 12 months. Initial include the on-­ campus​­ Shimadzu (echoi2@memphis​­ .​ edu).­ biogeochemically active transient stor- appointments and extensions are sub- Institute for Research Technologies Applicants should submit an appli- age zones. Working as part of a team, ject to performance and availability of (http://www.​ uta­ .​ edu/sirt/).­ cation letter, full curriculum vitae, you will implement those models in funding. Applicants should have a doctoral statements of research and teaching advanced community software running For additional information please degree in earth and environmental sci- interests, and the names and addresses on high-­ performance​­ computing contact Scott Painter (paintersl@ornl​ ences or a related field. Successful can- (with phone numbers and email) of at resources. A significant focus will be on .gov)­ or visit jobs.ornl.gov didates are expected to demonstrate a least three references. To receive full comparing the models to column and commitment to diversity and equity in consideration, applications must be flume experiments and to field obser- Tenure-­ Track​­ Faculty Position in education through their scholarship, submitted through the University of vations in low-­ order​­ streams. Environmental Biogeochemistry teaching, and/or service. We are deeply Memphis WorkForUM online applica- Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. in The Department of Earth and Envi- committed to increasing diversity and tion system (https://workforum​­ ​ hydrology, environmental sciences, ronmental Sciences at The University especially encourage applications from .memphis­ .​ edu)­ by December 17, 2018. geosciences, environmental or chemi- of Texas Arlington invites applications women and minority scholars. The University of Memphis is an Equal cal engineering or a related field is for a tenure-­ track​­ faculty position in Review of applications will begin Opportunity/Affirmative Action required. Basic understanding of mass broadly construed areas related to immediately and continue until the employer. position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by Tenure Track Scientist–­ Biology​­ November 16th, 2018. Applicants must The Biology Department at the apply online at https://uta.peopleadmin​ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution .com/postings/7068.A complete appli- (WHOI) – www.​ whoi­ .​ edu­ –​ invites­ cation includes: 1) curriculum vitae, exceptional candidates to apply for our FACULTY POSITION IN INTEGRATED COASTAL 2) summary of current and proposed tenure track position on our scientific ZONE PROCESSES AND MANAGEMENT research (max. two pages), 3) state- staff. The successful candidate will ment of teaching interests (max. one complement our existing interdisci- University of Miami page), and 4) names and email plinary strengths in biology, biological Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science addresses of three references. oceanography, and marine ecology. We Question regarding this position are particularly interested in applicants may be directed via email to Dr. Max who conduct research in marine zoo- The Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society at UM RSMAS is recruiting Hu, Search Committee Chair (maxhu@ plankton ecology using novel observa- a tenure track or tenured faculty member in Integrated Coastal Zone uta.​edu)­ or Dr. Arne Winguth, Depart- tional, experimental and/or modeling Processes and Management. We seek expertise in analytical, statistical and ment Chair (awinguth@uta​­ .​ edu).­ approaches. Expertise may include (but computer modeling research addressing coastal processes, hydrodynamics As an equal employment opportu- is not limited to) physiology, behavior, and sustainability of human-natural coastal ecosystems. Candidates from the nity and affirmative action employer, it trophic interactions, or the impacts of is the policy of The University of Texas climate change. For more information natural, physical, and social science fields with high scholarly productivity Arlington to promote and ensure equal about this job and to apply online, and excellent teaching and communication skills are encouraged to apply. employment opportunity for all indi- please visit http://careers​­ .​ whoi­ .​ edu,­ Individual is expected to work on policy relevant challenges in an viduals without regard to race, color, navigate to ‘Current Opportunities’ interdisciplinary setting with groups from across the university and will be religion, sex, national origin, age, sex- and respond to Job Reference 18-­ 10-​­ 01.​­ expected to enhance the School’s undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. programs. ual orientation, gender identity, dis- Application deadline is 12/17/2018. ability, or veteran status. Positions in Physical Hydrogeology The position is open to any rank and the salary is commensurate with rank/ Tenure Track Position in Solid Earth and Paleontology: University of experience. A Ph.D. in a related field is required. Females, Minorities, Veterans Geosciences or Engineering Seis- Wisconsin-­ Milwaukee​­ and those with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. mology The Department of Geosciences at The Center for Earthquake Research the University of ­Wisconsin-​ Applications should include a statement of research interests, research and Information (CERI) at the Univer- ­Milwaukee seeks to fill two positions sity of Memphis invites applications beginning August 19, 2019: one in sample, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for five for a tenure-­ track​­ faculty position at Physical Hydrogeology and the other in references. Candidates may submit their application to www.miami.edu/careers the Assistant Professor level to begin Paleontology/Paleobiology. (position #R100026154) or request for more information to: messearch@rsmas. in August 2019. We are searching The first position is for a ­tenure-​ miami.edu. We anticipate conducting interviews for the position in Fall 2018. broadly and seeking an individual to ­track faculty position in Physical Position will remain open until filled. complement our existing strengths in Hydrogeology (http://jobs.uwm.edu/ seismology, geodesy, computational postings/28007) (position # 02206838) tectonics, earthquake physics and seis- at the rank of Assistant Professor.

52 // Eos December 2018

3.67in x 4.49in UMIAMI QUARTER EOS.indd 1 03/11/18 1:27 AM POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Th e Faculty Mathematics and Natural Sciences invites in cooperation with the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics Kühlungsborn (IAP) applications for a

W3-PROFESSORSHIP IN ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS

at the IAP and the Institute of Physics, starting 1st of October 2020 (within budget considerations).

We are looking for an outstanding scientist in the fi eld of atmospheric physics. Emphasis should be on the experimental exploration of the middle atmosphere. Th e main task is leading the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) and, if applicable, the department “Optical Soundings” at IAP. In addition, the candidate is expected to collaborate with the Institute of Physics of the University, to participate in joint projects and to contribute to the activities of the Interdisciplinary Faculty. Th e teaching duties comprise courses and seminars in atmospheric physics for master and PhD programs. Additional Information: Prof. Dr. Stefan Lochbrunner 0381/498-6960 email: [email protected]

Qualifi cations are as per § 58 of the Higher Education Act of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (LHG M-V): completed university studies, doctoral degree, post-doctoral thesis (“Habilitation”), teaching experience or equivalent qualifi cations, usually earned within the context of junior professorship.

A special focus is placed on academic achievement and teaching qualifi cations as well scientifi c organization and academic administration. For this reason candidates should describe previous teaching results, ideas regarding future teaching (including didactic lesson planning) and their prior experience in academic and scientifi c management. In addition, candidates are expected to have experience and interest in developing programs that can attract and maintain external funding.

Th e professorship is to be fi lled according to § 61 LHG M-V as a position with civil servant status for life, or, if applicable, for 5 years. It is also possible to fi ll the position as a regular state employee.

Th e University of Rostock is committed to their university management guidelines.

Th e University of Rostock is especially interested in promoting women within the context of § 7 (3) of the Gender Equality Act, and therefore specifi cally encourages applications from qualifi ed women. Disabled applicants will be given preference if all other qualifi cations are essentially equal.

Applications with the usual documents (full CV, a complete list of academic and professional background, publications, teaching experience, any additional qualifi cations, a summary of grants and sponsored research activities and a description of future research plans) should be sent no later than 31 January 2019 to the University of Rostock, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Wismarsche Straße 45, 18051 Rostock, Germany or by email to [email protected].

Application costs cannot be reimbursed by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. We ask you to submit applications only in copy, as they will not be retumed aft er the procedure has been completed.

Earth7.5in & xSpace 9.8958in Science LEIBNIZ News FULL EOS.indd 1 08/11/18Eos.org 7:17 // PM 53 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in hydro- experience, and teaching experience, For more details on how to apply, ­related activities; groundwater supply geology (or appropriate related field) at though not required, are viewed as an please visit http://jobs.uwm.edu/ and sustainability; contaminant the time of appointment, and have asset. (position #’s 02206838 and transport; watershed dynamics; eco- demonstrated research experience in Review of applications will begin 02210472). If you have any questions, hydrology; or karst hydrogeology. physical hydrogeology. Post-­ doctoral​­ December 11, 2018. Priority will be please contact Shangping Xu (xus@ Candidates will be evaluated based experience is desirable. The successful given to applications received by this uwm.edu), Physical Hydrogeology on their potential to establish a vig- candidate is expected to conduct an date, but the position remains open Position Primary Contact; Lindsay orous externally funded research pro- active, internationally recognized, until filled. Candidates will upload a McHenry ([email protected]), gram, publish scholarly work, mentor externally funded research program cover letter, curriculum vitae, and Paleontology Position Primary Con- graduate students, and to teach at the that will attract and support graduate statement of teaching philosophy and tact; or John L. Isbell, Department of undergraduate and graduate levels, students. The successful candidate will research interests. They will also sub- Geosciences Chair (jisbell@uwm​ including a ­junior-​­senior level physi- teach an undergraduate/graduate mit three ­e-­mail addresses for letters .­edu). cal hydrogeology course. course in physical hydrogeology, an of recommendation online. Candi- Research on fresh water resources introductory course, upper level under- dates should also submit three exam- Assistant Professor, Hydrogeosci- is a strategic focus at WVU, as graduate and graduate level courses in ples of published work uploaded with entist – West Virginia University demonstrated by a newly established their field of expertise, and advise the application in the following Department of Geology and Geog- interdisciplinary Institute of Water graduate student thesis projects. Application Document areas: Publica- raphy (Job No. 09825) Security and Science (https://​­iwss​ The second position is for a visit- tion 1 in ‘Other Document 1’, Publica- The West Virginia University .­wvu​.­edu/), a National Science Foun- ing assistant professor position in tion 2 in ‘Other Document 2’, and Department of Geology & Geography dation funded ­multi-​­state Appala- Paleontology/Paleobiology (http://­ Publication 3 in ‘Other Document 3’. invites applications for a ­tenure-​ chian Freshwater Initiative (https://​ jobs.­uwm.­edu/­postings/­28018) (posi- Any applicant wishing to submit ­track position in geology at the Assis- ­iwss​.­wvu​.­edu/​­projects/​­appalachian​ tion # 02210472). The position is for additional documents for consider- tant Professor level starting in August -­freshwater​-­initiative), and many ­2019-­2020 but may be renewed for up ation, including additional published 2019. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in other water focus areas located in to two more years. The successful works, should upload those submis- Geoscience or a broadly related field WVU colleges and centers. candidate is expected to develop a sions to Application Document areas is required at the time of appoint- WVU (http://www​­ .​ wvu­ .​ edu)­ is a vigorous, externally funded research ‘Reference Letter 1’ and ‘Reference ment. We seek applications from comprehensive land-­ grant​­ university program, teach three courses per year Letter 2’. individuals with interests in basic and that enrolls 29,000 students. It is clas- at multiple levels within our curricu- The University of Wisconsin-​ applied aspects of water science. The sified as ‘highest research activity’ by lum, and supervise research by grad- ­Milwaukee is a Research 1 institution successful applicant will possess the Carnegie Foundation. WVU is uate and undergraduate students. located on the north side of Milwau- demonstrable expertise applicable to located in Morgantown (https://​­www​ Minimum qualifications for the posi- kee. The department of Geosciences competitively funded research prob- .morgantownwv­ .​ gov/),­ ranked as a tion are a PhD in Paleontology (or offers B.S./B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. lems. Relevant specialties might most preferred small city in America. appropriate related field) at the time degree programs and is staffed by 10 include physical hydrogeology; fluid The immediate region has a diverse of appointment and research experi- ­full-time­ faculty. The University of flow modeling; hyporheic or vadose population of about 200,000 residents. ence in paleontology/paleobiology. ­Wisconsin-­Milwaukee is an Equal zone processes; ­groundwater-​­surface The community lies within a high Postdoctoral experience, publications Opportunity/Affirmative Action water interaction; flow in fractured technology corridor that includes sev- and published abstracts, funding Employer. media; hydrogeology of ­energy-​ eral federal research facilities, as well

54 // Eos December 2018 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

as resource-­ based​­ industries. The city Review of applicants will begin on The School of Marine Science and the atmosphere, the land, and the is readily accessible to Pittsburgh and 1 November 2018. Policy (SMSP) at the University of Del- cryosphere are encouraged. For more Washington, DC. aware (UD) is seeking an ecosystem information about this job and to To apply for this position, visit Professional Specialist in Climate modeler with research interests in apply online, please visit http:// https://careers​­ .​ wvu­ .​ edu,­ navigate to Prediction, Princeton University estuarine and coastal marine environ- careers​.­whoi​.­edu, navigate to ‘Current the position title listed above, and sub- The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sci- ments for a ­tenure-track​­ assistant Opportunities’ and respond to Job mit (1) a single PDF file including a ences Program at Princeton University professor position to start by Fall Reference ­18-10-​­ 03.​­ Review of appli- statement of research interests, in cooperation with NOAA’s Geophysi- 2019. A Ph.D. in marine science, ecol- cations will begin on 12/17/2018. a statement of teaching philosophy, cal Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) ogy, oceanography, or a related field is and a current curriculum vitae; (2) a list seeks a motivated individual to join a required. Tenure Track Scientists – Applied of names and e-­ mail​­ addresses for at team conducting experimental ­real-​ We seek a dynamic individual who Ocean Physics & Engineering least three individuals who can provide ­time seasonal to interannual climate will establish an internationally rec- The Department of Applied Ocean prompt letters of recommendation; prediction and related research. The ognized, extramurally funded, applied Physics & Engineering at the Woods and (3) pdf files of up to four publica- incumbent will be part of a team that is research program on the natural sys- Hole Oceanographic ­Institution–www​­ ​ tions. responsible for gathering observations tems in the coastal zone with a quan- .­whoi​.­edu/​­aope–​ ­invites exceptional Review of applications will com- and running ­real-​­time experimental titative modeling approach. The ideal candidates to apply for one or more mence on December 3, 2018 and con- seasonal to interannual predictions candidate has experience in, or a con- tenure track or tenured ­scientific-​­staff tinue until the position is filled. using state of the art climate models. crete pathway towards, collaborating positions. We have two different For additional information, please The incumbent will (a) perform climate on policy, social, or economic ques- opportunities for which we are seek- see http://pages​­ .​ geo­ .​ wvu­ .​ edu/­ hydrogeo​­ model simulations, (b) obtain observa- tions. Research areas include: human ing candidates, both of which are or contact search chair Steve Kite at tional data needed for the predictions and natural ecosystem coupling; mod- explained below. steve.​ kite@­ mail​­ .​ wvu­ .​ edu.­ WVU is an and perform quality control on that eling the effects of climate change on Applied Ocean Physics & Engineer- EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and data, and (c) conduct directed research coastal ecosystems; and coupling ing is looking to complement and welcomes applications from all towards improving our understanding physical oceanography models with expand existing programs in coastal & ­qualified individuals, including minori- of seasonal to decadal climate variabil- biological and/or chemical models in ocean fluid dynamics, ocean acoustics, ties, females, individuals with disabili- ity and predictability, as well as towards the coastal zone. It is expected that and deep submergence, with core ties, and veterans. improving our prediction system. the new hire will utilize and integrate strengths in nearshore, estuarine, and The selected candidate will have a a variety of observational datasets and coastal fluid dynamics, sediment Ocean Science graduate degree in meteorology, will crossover into synergistic big data transport, and morphodynamics; bio-­ ​ oceanography, or in a related field, and and data science ­University-wide​­ ini- ­physical interactions; mixing; acousti- Post doctoral research associate will possess one or more of the follow- tiatives. cal propagation and scattering; vehi- Applications are invited for a post- ing attributes: (a) strong background in Questions regarding this position cles, sensors, and autonomy; and doctoral research associate as a part climate dynamics, (b) strong computa- (but not applications) may be polar processes. Applicants are sought of the ‘Wave-​­Ice-​­Ocean Interactions tional skills, including experience addressed to the committee chair in all supported areas, with particular along the Arctic Coast’ project funded using coupled climate models and Cristina Archer (carcher@udel​ .​ ­edu). opportunities in robotics, sensors, by the National Science Foundation. (c) strong diagnostic skills in analyzing Review of applications will begin on coastal remote sensing, and surf zone The project is a collaborative effort of simulated and observed data sets. December 1, 2018, and will continue processes. the Applied Physical Laboratory (APL) Appointments are initially for one year until the position is filled. We are also looking for qualified and the Department of Civil/Environ- with renewal contingent upon satisfac- To Apply: candidates to initiate new and expand mental Engineering (CEE) at the tory performance and continued fund- To be considered for this position, existing programs in field robotics and ­University of Washington (UW). The ing. apply at http://​apply​.­interfolio​.­com/​ machine learning with applications to project combines field observations Successful candidates will be based 57116 marine environments. Areas of partic- and numerical modeling of ­wave-​­ice at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Equal Employment Opportunity ular interest include but are not interactions, coastal circulation, and Laboratory (GFDL) in Princeton, New The University’s Notice of ­Non-​ restricted to: marine robotics; water temperatures under changing Jersey. For further information, please ­Discrimination can be found at http:// machine learning; simultaneous local- Arctic ice conditions. contact Tom Delworth (Tom​ www​.­udel.​ ­edu/​­aboutus/legalnotices​ ization and mapping; ­multi-​­robot Requirements .Delworth@noaa­ .​ gov)­ or Nat Johnson .­html. coordination and path planning; The postdoc for this position will (Nathaniel.​ Johnson­ @​ noaa­ .​ gov).­ Com- adaptive exploration and sampling; synthesize field data and model plete applications, including a CV, Tenure Track Scientist–­ Physical​­ data exploration and visualization; results from three case study sites, three references in order to solicit let- Oceanography underwater manipulation; novel actu- followed by application of the results ters of recommendation, and a one-­ to-​­ ​ The Physical Oceanography Depart- ation techniques; computer vision; in a hindcast of the larger domain. ­two page statement of professional ment at the Woods Hole Oceano- ­life-​­long learning and autonomy; and They will participate in field data interests must be submitted to https:// graphic Institution (WHOI)– www​ scene understanding. ­collection in autumn 2019 and 2020. www.​ princeton­ .​ edu/­ acad​­ -​ positions/­ ​ .­whoi​.­edu–​ ­invites exceptional candi- For more information about these Demonstrated expertise related to ­position/​­9461 by December 15, 2018 to dates to apply to one or more a tenure jobs and to apply online, please visit sea ice and/or wave measurements ensure full consideration. Review of track positions on our scientific staff. http://​­careers​.­whoi​.­edu, navigate to in the polar regions is required. Prior applications will begin as soon as they The successful candidate will join a ‘Current Opportunities’ and respond modeling and coding experience is are received, and continue until the collaborative group of scientists who to Job Reference ­18-10-​­ 10​­ (Robotics) desired. Candidates with a PhD position is filled. This position is sub- address a wide range of fundamental or ­18-10-​­ 11.​­ Review of applications degree in Physical Oceanography, ject to the University’s background problems in ocean and climate will begin on 12/15/2018. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, check policy. dynamics, as well as interdisciplinary or related fields are encouraged to Princeton University is an Equal research questions, using observa- Paleoceanography apply. Opportunity/Affirmative Action tions, modeling, theory, and labora- and Paleoclimatology Terms Employer and all qualified applicants tory experiments. We welcome appli- The initial appointment will be for will receive consideration for employ- cants regardless of approach Tenure Track Scientists – Geology & one year, with a flexible start date in ment without regard to age, race, color, (observational, modeling, and theory) Geophysics the spring of 2019. Extension of the religion, sex, sexual orientation, gen- and especially encourage those with a The Geology & Geophysics Depart- appointment to a total 2.5 years will der identity or expression, national theoretical/dynamical focus. We seek, ment at the Woods Hole Oceano- be made subject to satisfactory work origin, disability status, protected vet- but not exclusively, individuals with graphic Institution (WHOI) – www​ on the project. eran status, or any other characteristic expertise in: 1) coastal dynamics, .­whoi.­edu–has​­ tenure track science How to Apply protected by law. 2) ­high-​­latitude processes, 3) climate position openings for exceptional can- Candidates interested in the post- variability, and 4) submesoscale pro- didates in two disciplinary areas: doctoral position should email both Tenure-­ Track​­ Assistant Professor in cesses and mixing. Candidates with Paleoclimatology and Marine Geo- Dr. Jim Thomson (jthomson@​­apl​ Coastal Ecosystem Modeling interdisciplinary interests in the physics. .­washington​.­edu) and Dr. Nirnimesh School of Marine Science and Policy interplay between ocean dynamics and In Paleoclimatology, we seek an Kumar (nirni@​­uw​.­edu). Please pro- The University of Delaware biological or geochemical processes, innovative, highly collaborative indi- vide a complete CV with your email. Newark, Delaware or in the interaction of the ocean with vidual with interest and expertise in

Earth & Space Science News Eos.org // 55 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

the generation of proxy records to approaches for studies of the past evo- ple commitments of significant invest- University, invites applications for a enhance understanding of Earth’s cli- lution, current state, environmental ment. ­tenure-track​­ faculty position at the mate on time scales relevant to present processing, and astrobiological poten- Candidates should be able to rank of Assistant Professor in the area day and future climate change. Interest tial of the chemical/molecular compo- develop a vigorous, externally funded, of seismology. As part of a ­large-scale​­ in development and/or application of sition of tidally active ocean worlds internationally recognized theoretical, interdisciplinary hiring effort across new proxies, proxy system models, and (Enceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Cal- experimental, and/or observational key strategic areas in the College of the use of paleoceanographic and cli- listo, and Titan) as well as potential research program that addresses Science—­ Purdue’s​­ second-­ largest​­ col- mate data to explore impacts of past ocean worlds (e.g., Triton, Pluto, Ceres) research questions of fundamental lege, comprising the physical, life, and climate changes on human societies and other bodies. The applicant will importance. Possible areas of study in computing sciences—this position and ecosystems would be welcome. The formulate approaches to explore, ana- planetary atmospheres could include comes at a time when the College is successful candidate will complement lyze, and quantify the habitability and observing and/or modeling of the under new leadership and with multi- and enhance existing departmental potential biology of these environ- atmospheres of jovian, terrestrial, ple commitments of significant invest- strengths including past and present ments, including development, test, exosolar planets or small bodies, and/ ment. ocean and climate dynamics, pale- and potential flight mission deploy- or the origin of life and habitability. EAPS has strengths in exploration oceanography, climate modelling, ment of experiments to seek chemical/ Possible areas of study in planetary geophysics, seismic imaging, geo- proxy development, climate impacts, molecular biosignatures on selected physics could include computer mod- physical modeling, earth material ice-­ sheet​­ dynamics, coastal processes targets. Instrument development for eling of impact processes, planetary properties, geodesy, and tectonics. We and hazards, and to utilize WHOI’s research, prototyping, and flight origins, or planetary interiors. seek to add a quantitative seismologist exceptional analytical and sea-­ going​­ deployment opportunities would Candidates are expected to develop a interested in addressing questions on facilities. include a focus on advanced mass program that is complementary to the solid earth at a range of scales. In Marine Geophysics, we are seek- spectrometry, chemical separation, existing research within the depart- Areas of specialization could include ing candidates in one of two broad dis- and other sensitive analytical tech- ment and teaching needs at the under- earthquake geophysics, and/or natu- ciplinary areas of seismology or geo- niques and associated technologies. graduate and graduate levels. The ral/active source seismic imaging. dynamics as applied to the marine This work may include modeling and potential to develop interdisciplinary, Candidates are expected to develop a environment. Strong candidates in laboratory work to validate such collaborative research that cuts across vigorous, externally funded, interna- related geophysical fields may also be approaches through comparison with specialty areas within the department, tionally recognized research program, considered. Candidates whose field or terrestrial and non-­ terrestrial​­ con- the College of Science, and Purdue’s that is complementary to existing ­laboratory-based​­ research comple- trolled analogs, chemicals, and/or pro- research community is desirable. Can- research and teaching needs at the ments and/or bridges existing cesses. didates must have completed their undergraduate and graduate levels. strengths, including WHOI’s consid- The applicant will plan and conduct Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences or related The potential to develop interdisci- erable facilities and expertise for the research that represents a systematic field at the time of employment. plinary research that cuts across spe- design and implementation of ­sea-​ attack on problems recognized as dif- Within EAPS and Purdue, candidates cialty areas within the department, ­going experiments, are especially ficult and unyielding to investigation will find supportive colleagues, a the College of Science, and Purdue’s encouraged to apply. Existing depart- and will independently conceive and diverse and vibrant academic commu- research community is desirable. Can- mental strengths and interests include propose for research support to nity, with ample opportunities for pro- didates must have completed their geophysics (active and passive seis- address problems of broad scope and fessional and personal growth. Ph.D. in the area of Geophysics or a mology, electromagnetic methods, complexity requiring subdivision into Purdue University’s Department of related field by the time of employ- magnetics, potential fields, and geo- separate phases of conceptualization/ Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sci- ment. Within EAPS and Purdue, can- dynamics), tectonics, ­ice-​­sheet definition, design, development, test ences is committed to advancing diver- didates will find supportive col- dynamics, volcanology, geochemistry, and optimization, data analysis, and sity in all areas of faculty effort, leagues, a diverse and vibrant coastal processes, past and present interpretation of results. The science including scholarship, instruction, and academic community, with ample climate dynamics and biogeochemis- research results will be shared engagement. Candidates should opportunities for professional and try. through publication in ­peer-​­reviewed address at least one of these areas in personal growth. For more information about these publications, requirements docu- their cover letter, indicating their past Purdue University’s Department of jobs and to apply online, please visit ments, white papers, invited talks and experiences, current interests or activ- Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sci- http://careers​ .​ whoi­ .​ edu,­ navigate to seminars, and presentations at scien- ities, and/or future goals to promote a ences is committed to advancing diver- ‘Current Opportunities’ and respond to tific conferences. climate that values diversity and inclu- sity in all areas of faculty effort, Job Reference 18-­ 10-​­ 08​­ (Paleoclimatol- The applicant will additionally sup- sion. including scholarship, instruction, and ogy) or 18-­ 10-​­ 09​­ (Marine Geophysics). port the broader development of Interested applicants should visit engagement. Candidates should Review of applications will begin on approaches for conducting investiga- https://hiring.​ science­ .​ purdue­ .​ edu,­ address at least one of these areas in 12/07/2018. tions of planetary bodies, where geo- submit a curriculum vitae, a research their cover letter, indicating their past chemical processes can be linked to statement, a teaching statement, and experiences, current interests or activ- Planetary Sciences ocean worlds or icy worlds; the sub- complete contact information for at ities, and/or future goals to promote a mission of proposals for development least 3 references. Review of applica- climate that values diversity and inclu- Research Space Scientist–­ AST,​­ Plan- funding; and advocacy for their imple- tions will begin January 2, 2019, and sion. etary Studies, NASA mentation in the scientific community will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should visit The Science & Exploration Director- and the public. Questions related to this position https://hiring​­ .​ science­ .​ purdue­ .​ edu,­ ate, Solar System Exploration Divi- For additional information please should be sent to David Minton submit a curriculum vitae, a research sion, Planetary Environments Labora- contact: Dr. William Brinckerhoff at: (daminton@purdue​­ .​ edu).­ Applications statement, a teaching statement, and tory (Code 699) is seeking a scientist William.​ B­ .​ Brinckerhoff@nasa­ .​ gov­ will be accepted until the position is complete contact information for at to conduct research into the geochem- filled. A background check will be least 3 references. Review of applica- istry and astrobiology of Ocean Worlds Tenure Track Positions(s) in Plane- required for employment in this posi- tions will begin December 20, 2018, and Icy Worlds in our solar system and tary Science tion. Purdue University is an ADVANCE and will continue until the position is beyond. The research involves study- The Department of Earth, Atmo- institution. filled. Questions related to this posi- ing the origin, evolution, chemical spheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), Purdue University is an EOE/AA tion should be sent to Douglas Schmitt composition, and astrobiological within the College of Science at Purdue employer. All individuals, including (schmitt@purdue​­ .​ edu)­ or Christopher potential of planets (including exo- University, invites applications for one minorities, women, individuals with Andronicos (candroni@purdue.​ edu).­ planets), planetary satellites, aster- or more tenure-­ track​­ faculty positions disabilities, and veterans are encour- Applications will be accepted until the oids, meteorites, and comets, incor- in planetary atmospheres and/or plan- aged to apply. position is filled. A background check porating comparisons with terrestrial etary physics. These appointments will will be required for employment in this analogs where appropriate. Duties be at the level of Assistant or Associate Seismology position. Purdue University is an include playing a leading role in mis- Professor. Growth in planetary science ADVANCE institution. sion and instrument development for is part of ­large-scale​­ interdisciplinary Assistant Professor of Seismology, Purdue University is an EOE/AA future ocean worlds exploration. hiring effort across key strategic areas Purdue University employer. All individuals, including The applicant will formulate in the College of Science. This position The Department of Earth, Atmo- minorities, women, individuals with research plans and hypotheses and comes at a time when the College is spheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), disabilities, and veterans are encour- develop a novel or complex research under new leadership and with multi- within the College of Science at Purdue aged to apply.

56 // Eos December 2018 Postcards from the Field

Hello from the shore of the Chukchi Sea!

This photo is from an Arctic geophysics research class that I teach every other spring. My group was in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, at the end of February working on a new method for quickly deter- mining the thickness of sea ice.

One night we saw that the aurorae were out, and we put on our gear (it was – 40°F with the wind) to go out and see them. We got to the beach and this rise at the edge of the shore ice, and the students were amazed. I quietly moved back and put my camera on a 30- second exposure, hoping that the students wouldn’t move. I shouldn’t have worried about that because they were mesmerized by this once- in- their- lifetime event. They were astounded by the beauty of the deadly par- ticle flux from our Sun being caught by Earth’s mag- netic field and then turned into this amazing, living exhibition of now benign color.

—Rhett Herman, Department of Physics, Radford Uni- versity, Radford, Va.

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