he solid-earth sciences address the planet we live on, the continents and ocean basins from which we derive our mineral and energy reserves, the rocks from which soils to raise crops are derived, and the rock formations where we dispose of most of our waste products. Earth scientists analyze the physical and chemical processes that link all of these domains and those of the Earth's interior. They characterize the internal and external energy systems that drive and have driven these fundamental processes. An important force driving earth science research is human curiosity regarding our origins, evolution, and the processes that shape our environments. The study of these origins is paleontology. Probably the most popular topic in paleontology is dinosaurs. New concepts and methodologies are emerging that permit the synthesis of solid-earth science data on a global scale. The new capabilities allow construction of testable models of interaction among the many subsystems that form the whole earth system. This global view was heralded by the plate tectonics revolution, which recognized that material making up the rigid outer plates comes from the interior at suboceanic spreading centers, is modified at the surface, and either returns to the interior at subduction zones or is added to the continents. Current research into the interconnected systems aims at developing an understanding of convection in the solid interior, the specific plate-driving mechanism, and the connection between convection and the hydrosphere and biosphere, including long-term atmospheric and oceanic changes. Twenty-five years ago our understanding of the global system was revolutionized by plate tectonics and the recognition of a highly mobile outer shell of the Earth. This breakthrough, as well as the continued demand for water, mineral, and energy resources, led to a surge in the number of qualified researchers. These researchers have access to advanced instrumentation in laboratories, in the field at the Earth's surface on land and sea, and in aircraft and in space. Computational capabilities have revolutionized the handling of the vast amounts of data generated in earth science research and facilitated the rapid construction and testing of sophisticated models. |
Division of Earth Sciences,
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