Communicating with the public is increasingly an issue for geoscientists both in research and in industry, but how do we deal with communicating those aspects of our work that are controversial? Many scientists shy away from those issues that are likely to draw the attention of an angry public, because, quite reasonably, they don’t want to be attacked for just doing their job. But these controvers ...[Read More]
GeoLog
Imaggeo on Mondays: Man-made landscape
The landscape of the Mersey Estuary in Liverpool Bay is ever changing; it offers the opportunity to observe the changing geomorphology of a river estuary which is closely linked to a very urban and man-made landscape. For more on this unique setting, read today’s Imaggeo on Mondays post brought to you by Maria Burguet Marimon. This picture was taken at Crosby beach, which is located just at ...[Read More]
Seismology
Peer review: Single-, double-blind, or open discussion
Within the scientific community, it is common practice that the peer-review process for a submitted article to a journal is kept anonymous. That is, only the journal Editor selects (and knows) who the referees are, usually three. This is also known as single-blind review. One of the main reason behind this custom is to allow the referees give genuine feedback, without fear of causing any personal ...[Read More]
Geology Jenga
Lake mud can offer a crucial long-term perspective on flooding
The severe flooding that has hit much of northern England during the last few weeks (and northeastern Scotland right now) has generated significant discussion and debate about why floods happen, how often they occur and what we can do about it. The fact is there’s no simple answer to any of these questions: the hydrometeorological cycle is a complex beast and our actions have altered it in m ...[Read More]
GeoLog
Abstract deadline for EGU 2016 fast approaching: A first-timer’s guide to the 2015 General Assembly
Are you considering attending the upcoming EGU General Assembly in Vienna? The conference brings together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary and space sciences.. This year, the meeting will be held from the 17 to 22 April at the Austria Centre Vienna. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is upon us, closing next Wednesday t ...[Read More]
Cryospheric Sciences
Image of the Week — Happy New Year
December 2014, 11:50 p.m., the sun licks the horizon on Derwael ice rise; It’s time to go back to the tent … The shot was taken during the 2014 IceCon Field campaign in East Antarctica (read Brice’s blog post telllling about his first journey to Antarctica). Here, you can also read about the 2016 field season of the IceCon project, which started just a few days ago.
GeoLog
Job opportunity at the EGU General Assembly: press assistant
We have a vacancy for an early career science communicator or science journalism student in Europe to work at the press office of the 2016 General Assembly, which is taking place in Vienna, Austria, from 17–22 April. Applications from geosciences students with science communication experience are also welcome. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people with experience in ...[Read More]
Seismology
Important upcoming deadlines for EGU 2016
As many return to their desks to continue on their research, take note of these imminent deadlines for the upcoming European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2016. Wednesday 13th of January: EGU2016 call for papers (open until 13:00 CET). Submit your short course ideas. Early Career Scientists are encouraged to run their own short courses either as individuals or as a group. Short courses are us ...[Read More]
Energy, Resources and the Environment
Opportunity for Early Career Scientists
The Energy Resources and Environment Division of the EGU are looking to appoint an Early Career Scientist (ECS) representative in 2016. ECS make up a significant proportion of the EGU membership and it’s important to us that their voices are heard. ECS representatives are the link between the Union and its ECS membership. They give a voice to early career researchers and ensure their needs are met ...[Read More]
Green Tea and Velociraptors
Which palaeontology stories in 2015 captured the public’s imagination?
This was originally posted here! Happy New Year everyone! It’s that time of year when all the summaries of an amazing year of research are coming out, and goodness, what a year it’s been! The folk over at Altmetric have been kind enough to summarise the top 100 articles of 2015, measured by their altmetrics scores – a measure of the social media chatter around articles. All the d ...[Read More]