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Grand Research Questions in the Solid-Earth Sciences

Completed

Topics

Questions about the origin and nature of Earth and the life on it have long preoccupied human thought and the scientific endeavor. Deciphering the planet's history and processes could improve the ability to predict catastrophes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, to manage Earth's resources, and to anticipate changes in climate and geologic processes. This book captures, in a series of questions, the essential scientific challenges that constitute the frontier of Earth science at the start of the 21st century.

About Past Events

Description

The committee will formulate a short list of grand research questions driving progress in the solid-earth sciences. The research questions will cover a variety of spatial and temporal scales, from sub-atomic to planetary, and from the past (billions of years) to the present and beyond. The questions will be written in a clear, compelling way and will be supported by text and figures that summarize research progress to date and outline future challenges. The report will not discuss implementation issues (e.g., facilities, recommendations aimed at specific agencies) or disciplinary interests.The committee is sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and United States Geological Survey (USGS). The approximate starting date for the project is 11/01/2005. A final report will be issued, expected at the end of the project in approximately 15 months.

Collaborators

Committee

Chair

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Committee Membership Roster Comments

The committee roster has changed with the addition of Dr. Sidney R. Hemming (2/28/06) and Dr. James S. Trefil (3/2/06). On June 29, 2007, Sean C. Solomon resigned from the committee.

Sponsors

Department of Energy

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Science Foundation

United States Geological Survey

Staff

Anne Linn

Lead

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