Scientists seek to learn why a parovirus present in sea stars since 1942 has become so virulent in recent years. In 1969, ecologist Robert Paine coined the term “keystone species,” in reference to the sea star species Pisaster ochraceus. His experiments, which involved removing coastal sea stars from the ecosystem, caused die-offs, overgrowth, or emigration in surrounding species such as … Read More
Demonstration Projects Aim to Measure Marine Biodiversity
U.S. agencies have launched a pilot project to establish a marine biodiversity observation network. The program, to measure marine biodiversity and integrate data across organizations, faces huge challenges but even greater rewards
Calling Inquiring Minds: Citizen Science Association Hosts 2015 Conference
Opportunities for learning, networking, and connecting are the focus of the upcoming Citizen Science 2015 conference. This Citizen Science Association event will take place Feb. 11-12 in San Jose, California. Participants on every side of citizen science, from research coordination to volunteering, are invited to join the conversation.
Obama Administration Pledges Support for Sharing Earth Observation Data
White House gives shout-out to GEO.
11th GEO Plenary to Take Place in Geneva
Moved from Gabon to Switzerland, the GEO-XI Plenary is still scheduled to take place Nov. 13-14. Topics covered in the associated side events include everything from technology development to forest observation and water issues. For on-the-ground coverage, keep your eyes out for a blog from Osha Gray Davidson.
Take Earth Science Week Into Your Hands with Citizen Science
Looking to get involved? Earth Science Week encourages students, teachers and the general public to share observations of the natural world through a variety of citizen science sites sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey.
High Resolution Data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission to Be Made Publicly Available
Recognizing the importance of high resolution data in climate resiliency planning, President Obama has announced a release of high resolution versions of data from the collaborative Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.
New Study Finds Unprecedented Polar Ice Sheet Loss
The European Space Agency’s CryoSat-2 was launched in June 2010. Now, data from the satellite is allowing researchers to produce maps of the planet’s most important ice fields, with unparalleled coverage and accuracy.
Introduction to the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Mission
The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission planned to launch in January 2015 will provide a global map of soil moisture measurements in an accessible, user-friendly data format. The intention is to reach a broad community of end-users and decision-makers with varying plans of application.
Growing Algae in Space could be like Recycling on Earth
In the next 12 months, the Melissa project will test key pieces of a unique recycling system. Spirulina algae could solve the problem of oxygen, water, and food for astronauts aboard The International Space Station.