Abstract Watersheds regulate biogeochemical processes and provide ecosystem services to human societies, but disturbances can fundamentally alter these processes across space and time. Determining when and where to sample to capture disturbance impacts in watersheds remains a central challenge. Manipulation studies and long‐term monitoring are often constrained by scope, and opportunistic studies often lack pre‐disturbance data needed to statistically determine disturbance impacts. We identify a persistent knowledge gap: the absence of a clear, transferable framework to guide opportunistic disturbance research where pre‐disturbance data collection is not a feasible option. To address this gap, we present a planning framework that intentionally integrates numerical modeling and empirical observation in an iterative, stepwise model–experiment workflow for opportunistic disturbance research. We demonstrate its application through two contrasting case studies: wildfire impacts on headwater streams using a pre‐disturbance preparedness approach, and saltwater flooding impacts on coastal forests using an post‐disturbance study approach. From these applications, we assess strengths, limitations, and the critical role of team science for transferability across disturbance types and study designs. Broadly, this framework offers a scalable path toward more rigorous, timely, and actionable disturbance science that can inform watershed management, hazard risk reduction, and ecosystem resilience. While this framework is illustrated with watershed examples, the framework is broadly applicable wherever studying responses to unpredictable natural events requires rapid, hypothesis‐driven research design.
Abstract David Andrew (Drew) Rothrock III lived during a period of vigorous scientific research in the Earth Sciences, from the International Geophysical Year to the era of satellites and high‐speed computer modeling. Drew made fundamental contributions to Arctic science, helping to lay the theoretical foundations for modeling the movement and thickness of sea ice, and later championing the acquisition and use of satellite and submarine data to test and improve those models, and to quantify changes in sea‐ice thickness over time. He was a founding member of the Polar Science Center at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he led major research projects, contributed his expertise to agency panels and working groups, and launched the careers of young scientists through his mentorship.
Plain Language Summary Earth scientists often study the same planet on radically different timescales, yet treat their observations as though they were directly comparable. They are not. A microbial reaction measured over hours, a climate trend observed over decades, and a geological archive spanning millions of years record different parts of the Earth system and preserve different kinds of evidence. This article argues that progress in geoscience depends on confronting these temporal mismatches rather than smoothing them away.
Abstract NASA has led multispectral (≥3 wavelength bands) thermal infrared (TIR) sensor development from the earliest days of the agency. These data are critical in addressing a wide range of scientific questions and administration priories by measuring both temperature (for wildfire and volcanic eruption monitoring, agricultural plant stress, and characterizing the urban environment) as well as emissivity (for critical mineral resources and surface geology on the Earth, Moon, and Mars). With the recent termination of the aging ASTER TIR instrument, the only remaining high resolution multispectral sensor in orbit is ECOSTRESS on the International Space Station (ISS). Should it fail, multispectral TIR data will become unavailable from NASA for the first time in a quarter of a century. Formulation of NASA's Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) mission, seen as the gold standard for future TIR data, had been underway for several years with a planned launch in 2029. However, its development was unexpectedly stopped and later reformulated under a new name, with no definitive launch date nor budget. Other governmental space agencies (e.g., India, China, France, and the European Union) realize the data's importance and are moving forward with their own multispectral TIR sensors. Unless NASA accelerates the development of what was SBG, the U.S. government will lose its leadership and technological advantage for resource development in this critical space. When it does, users will be forced to access non‐NASA multispectral TIR data elsewhere at increased costs and decreased availability, thus putting both science and U.S. national priorities at risk.
Abstract This work addresses the critical issue of science literacy and science communication for scientists, researchers, officials, organizations, and the general public. Effective communication and trust between these groups are essential, particularly as the severity and scope of disasters continue to increase. To foster better dialog, we must clarify how commonly used terms in the field—such as “natural,” “man‐made,” “hazards,” and “disasters”—are discussed and ensure these definitions are accessible to all audiences and reflect their lived realities. A key question guiding this discussion is how to make this cross‐group conversation more open and mutual. We must make a case for the terms we use, understand their context, and remember to listen before we speak. Using Hurricanes Katrina and Michael, along with other floods and events, as examples, and drawing on the authors' research, this paper examines how communication and terminology influence perceptions of responsibility, vulnerability, and response. Finally, this work proposes framing via systems thinking as a tool to improve disaster science communication (SciComm), emphasizing inclusive engagement, shared understanding, and cooperative learning between scientists and society.
Abstract The rise of quantitative geosciences approaches and accessible computer science tools have led to increasing overlap and opportunity at the boundaries of both fields. The need for both research innovation and student cross‐training has motivated new, interdisciplinary Computer Science‐Geoscience collaborations. Our experiences leading collaborative research at this interface have revealed how fundamental structural and cultural differences between Computer Science (CS) and Geoscience (Geo) programs pose challenges for project integration, communication, and alignment. Here, we outline key differences between the fields and offer strategies for managing challenges and leveraging opportunities at this disciplinary interface. These insights are intended for researchers and educators designing or managing interdisciplinary Geo–CS teams, particularly those involving students and early‐career researchers.
Abstract How deeply does modern meteoric water circulate into the continental crust? How deep is the Earth's Critical Zone (CZ), the top layer of the continental lithosphere that co‐evolves with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, extending from vegetation canopy down to fresh bedrock and the base of active groundwater circulation? The answers depend on the substrate porosity and permeability. The difficulties in seeing the subsurface have prevented a global 3D vision. Site studies reveal that the CZ is far deeper than agricultural soils, commonly exceeding 10s but can reach 100s of meters in karsts or ancient shields in the tropics. We know that it is the main terrestrial water‐storage tank for societies and ecosystems. We know that it is a biogeochemical factory transforming rocks into porous growth media, releasing nutrients for life, mobilizing solutes, and consuming atmospheric CO 2 . Unlike in the atmosphere and the ocean, water on land mostly resides in and moves through the porous earth materials. Thus, we have a porous media problem. Yet we know little about the shape and size of this porous media, hindering its inclusion in Earth‐system models. CZ scientists are in the best position to deliver such a planetary‐scale vision of the upper lithosphere, so that we can fully comprehend the functions of the land in the whole‐Earth system in the past and the future. We have enough knowledge to start.
Abstract The Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) transformed the use of geodesy in North America to study crustal deformation and plate boundary processes by establishing a continental‐scale, standardized, open‐access geodetic network. Built and operated by UNAVCO between 2003 and 2018 as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF)‐funded EarthScope program, the PBO included the construction of nearly 900 new, permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) stations, a network of 74 borehole strainmeters and 78 borehole seismometers, and five long‐baseline laser strainmeters, while incorporating more than 200 legacy GPS sites, with the goal of better defining crustal deformation along western North America. As former PBO Directors and managers involved in the planning and execution of this project, we believe its success stemmed from deliberate program management, a rigorous siting and permitting strategy, standardized station designs, and disciplined oversight that coordinated thousands of distributed tasks. Dual analysis centers and mirrored data archives ensured reliable and rapid data delivery. An accompanying Education and Outreach program at UNAVCO expanded impact through educator resources, exhibits, and workforce training. Together, these elements democratized access to precise Earth observations and enabled discoveries spanning plate‐boundary deformation, transient slip, magmatic and hydrologic processes, and real‐time hazard applications. The PBO project's infrastructure, along with open‐access data policies and community‐defined and vetted data products, endure today within the Network of the Americas as part of the NSF National Geophysical Facility operated by EarthScope Consortium. The network provides enhanced observational capability, supporting new scientific discoveries as well as novel and unforeseen applications.
Abstract Proprietary development solutions are often perceived as being delivered more quickly and easily than open methods, fueling the misconception that they inherently produce better overall outcomes. However, we argue that open development practices can lead to both efficient and maximally impactful outcomes. One successful strategy for accelerating open approaches in the geosciences is co‐creation, a model that emphasizes shared ownership between developers and users. This approach creates a collaborative flywheel dynamic—pioneered in the geosciences by the Pangeo project—that encourages teamwork, standardizes access to shared infrastructure, and facilitates iterations of stakeholder feedback and development to accelerate solution finding.
Abstract Ocean acidification is a growing concern for many nations around the world. However, our capacity to monitor changes in carbonate chemistry with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution, has until now, been limited, which has impeded effective action and decision‐making at international, national, and regional levels. Recent advancements in machine learning have enabled the integration of Earth observation data with in situ measurements, enhancing data coverage and improving our ability to monitor ocean acidification globally. Here, we highlight how space agencies, particularly the European Space Agency, have supported the development of such products and explore their utility for a broad spectrum of end users, ranging from scientists to resource managers to policy makers and the general public. Spatial and temporal resolution of these products is now on the order of 0.25 × 0.25° and 8‐daily, respectively; with similar or slightly enhanced accuracy compared to other methods (e.g., fCO 2 in open and coastal ocean are 13 and 25 μatm, respectively). We provide five use cases that demonstrate how the data can be used to: (a) communicate ocean acidification; (b) aid marine planning activities; (c) set up national monitoring and understand baseline conditions; (d) assess impacts of aquaculture; and (e) assess impacts to coral habitats. While these developments represent significant progress, further efforts will enhance the efficacy of observational‐data in coastal waters, and could develop complementary biological or water quality indicators. These activities will be accelerated by further building global capacity to ensure equitable access and application of these tools.
Abstract Geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) is widely seen as essential to achieving net‐zero emissions, yet its large‐scale deployment remains impractical mainly due to economic and political reasons. In this article, we explore the idea that enhanced oil recovery (EOR) may serve as a pragmatic steppingstone for getting GCS‐ready infrastructure in place. Although EOR entails increased oil production and therefore increased emissions in the short term, we argue that it can help establish capture technology, pipeline networks, regulatory familiarity, and stakeholder engagement that are necessary for future carbon sequestration. We call this “baiting the system” with EOR to prepare the surface and subsurface for eventual dedicated CO 2 storage operations. While counterintuitive, this transitional strategy could ensure a more assured implementation of GCS than working toward standalone projects.
Abstract I grew up in Yemen with a dream to study space, but my country had no astronomy programs, no universities for astrophysics, and soon, no stable peace. This Perspective is a personal and systemic account of how I pursued planetary science from a conflict zone—with no smartphone, no home internet, no supervisor, and no institutional backing. I describe how I utilized auto‐didactic methodologies to master English, accessed global literature, and constructed theoretical frameworks that eventually earned recognition from major scientific societies. I conclude with concrete recommendations for how the global community can discover and support hidden scientific talent in marginalized places, while calling for peace and an end to the war waged by armed militias on Yemen and its education system.
The Daughtery Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) held the Water for Food Global Conference (WFGC) that brought together over 400 experts along with organizations from government agencies, policymaking groups, nonprofits, non‐governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, water managers, producers, commodity boards, students, and industry to discuss global food and water security. Under the meeting theme, “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” experts shared research results, case studies, and perspectives on how to achieve optimal water use in agriculture and increase productivity at a variety of scales. The conference session, “Protecting Public Health Through Water Quality Management and Monitoring” included two panels of experts to present and discuss ongoing challenges, solutions and opportunities related to water quality and health within an agricultural context.
The availability and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has increased substantially in recent years. NotebookLM was released in 2023 and is an AI tool with the capability to generate text summaries of input material. In 2024, an “Audio Overviews” feature was released that can generate podcast-style audio files of the summarized material. We qualitatively assess the usefulness of the NotebookLM Audio Overviews feature for planetary scientists using three journal articles. The three articles tested were: Evidence of a Martian spatter cone south of Pavonis Mons by Flynn and Rader (2024), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2024.116286 ; Lava flow eruption conditions in the Tharsis volcanic province on Mars by Peters et al. (2021), https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006791 ; and Martian volcanism: Current state of knowledge and known unknowns by Mouginis-Mark et al. (2022), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2022.125886 . Overall, the generated Audio Overviews did an excellent job summarizing the manuscripts and providing unique analogies for complex scientific topics. However, each summary contained some level of inaccuracy or “hallucinations.” This highlights the need to verify the audio summaries against the source material before it is shared with a broader audience. We see potential uses of the Audio Overviews as a pedagogical tool for students in planetary science courses and degree programs, and for professional planetary scientists to obtain a broad overview of published peer reviewed manuscripts. Nevertheless, the Audio Overviews should not replace reading the original material when a detailed understanding of the topic is required.
I have organized my thoughts in an autobiographical way in relation to the several distinct phases of my career encompassing Earth and space physics. I discuss atmospheric and space physics topics of interest to me in an international context, and I emphasize the value of community activities and international conferences for the interchange of ideas between colleagues. The uniting theme is solar-terrestrial physics, which includes both observational and theoretical studies of the Earth's atmosphere, geospace, the ionosphere, magnetosphere and interplanetary space. This theme is a part of two broader topics, namely geophysics and Earth system science. To be in a position to make observations at a station which has a unique identifying feature and/or at a special time is especially advantageous. A major aspect of a career in Earth and space science is the requirement to publish papers describing the results of one's research in the refereed literature, to organize national and international conferences, to carry out committee work and organizational activities, and to write books and edit journals; here I discuss some highlights of my experiences. My main overall experience is that serendipity—and variety—play a large part in an interesting career in Earth and space science.
As the recipient of the 2024 William Kaula Award, I was asked to write an essay that captures stories and lessons learned during a career of scholarly editing. Over the past 25 years, I witnessed dramatic changes in scholarly publishing, from print-dominated journals to open access, and increases in digital tools, and data-sharing practices. At the same time, new problems have emerged, raising serious concerns about research integrity, peer review reliability, and the credibility of the scientific record. Some words of wisdom include adopting good data habits, being kind to others, and supporting society-led journals. While the science publication landscape will continue to evolve, I am hopeful that the core values of integrity, openness, and collaboration will remain at the heart of scholarly communication, ensuring that discoveries in the Earth sciences not only advance knowledge but also serve society.
This meeting report summarizes outcomes from the AGU Chapman Conference on Particle Precipitation : Drivers , Properties , and Impacts on Atmosphere , Ionosphere , Magnetosphere (AIM) Coupling , held 14–21 February 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. This conference brought together scientists from around the world to identify pressing AIM open science questions and next steps for solidifying cross-community collaborations. Efforts have resulted in the upcoming Town Hall session Building Bridges Between the Atmosphere , Ionosphere , Magnetosphere (AIM) Communities at the 2025 AGU meeting in New Orleans, USA. This Town Hall aims to establish a recurring meeting to address the scientific and societal challenges of AIM coupling.
Recent advancements in natural language processing, particularly with large language models (LLMs), are transforming how scientists engage with the literature. While the adoption of LLMs is increasing, concerns remain regarding potential information biases and computational costs. Rather than LLMs, I developed a framework to evaluate the feasibility of precise, rapid, and cost-effective information retrieval from extensive geoscience literature using freely available small language models (MiniLMs). A curated corpus of approximately 77 million high-quality sentences, extracted from 95 leading peer-reviewed geoscience journals such as Geophysical Research Letters and Earth and Planetary Science Letters published during years 2000–2024, was constructed. MiniLMs enable a computationally efficient approach for extracting relevant domain-specific information from these corpora through semantic search techniques and sentence-level indexing. This approach, unlike LLMs such as ChatGPT-4 that often produces generalized responses, excels at identifying substantial amounts of expert-verified information with established, multi-disciplinary sources, especially for information with quantitative findings. Furthermore, by analyzing emotional tone via sentiment analysis and topical clusters through unsupervised clustering within sentences, MiniLM provides a powerful tool for tracking the evolution of conclusions, research priorities, advancements, and emerging questions within geoscience communities. Overall, MiniLM holds significant potential within the geoscience community for applications such as fact and image retrievals, trend analyses, contradiction analyses, and educational purposes.
The great expense of deploying dense arrays of seafloor sensors for continuous collection of geophysical data inhibits the proliferation of measurement systems to the majority of the planet's surface. Advancing geophysical coverage offshore will require technologies different from conventional methods applied onshore where electrical power and communication infrastructure is ubiquitous. Optics-based sensors offer an approach that is efficient and scalable. Many sensors connected to a single, long optical fiber cable can be multiplexed to one electro-optic system at the cable's end. A 100-km long optical cable is less expensive and superior to an electrical cable of the same length as long as the required sensors can operate with light rather than electronics. We show that Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) of optical sensors can provide a low-cost, power efficient, scalable infrastructure for arrays of both seismic and geodetic sensors on the seafloor.
EarthScope Consortium's Common Sensor Platform (CSP) project is a unified, modular, and scalable design approach for geophysical instrumentation deployments. Developed through cross disciplinary collaboration of National Science Foundation's GAGE and SAGE facilities, the platform outlines core station subsystems that have the flexibility to be interchanged and/or scaled to accommodate site-specific conditions and scientific objectives. As an outcome of this project, a set of publicly available tools, including a requirements document, technical design document, and an interactive Station Builder webtool have been developed to support user-driven geophysical station planning and design. The CSP is a dynamic and adaptable design, allowing for future iterations to integrate new technologies and support the evolving needs of the geophysical research community.
