New regulations could open the door for sustainable mining, says the head of the International Seabed Authority. However, he and others pointed to environmental, financial, and technical challenges.
News
Polar Satellite Launch Eases Concerns of Weather Data Gap
Joint Polar Satellite System-1 is the first in a series of planned polar-orbiting satellites to provide critical weather forecasting data. Two follow-on satellites, however, face uncertain funding.
Richard J. O’Connell (1941–2015)
This son of a Montana sheriff discovered the fundamental rules underlying complex geophysical phenomena, and he taught others to do the same.
Divergent Republican Tax Plans Blur Future for Grad Students
The U.S. House of Representatives aims to tax tuition waivers as income, whereas the Senate does not. This new tax would undermine graduate students across all fields, experts say.
Mystery Quakes May Be Among World’s Longest-Lived Aftershocks
New evidence about where a major earthquake struck central Washington State 145 years ago raises the possibility that today’s unusually frequent quakes in the area still echo that 1872 event.
U.S. Weather Alert Systems Must Modernize, Say New Reports
To reduce risks, including loss of life, national weather alert systems must incorporate social and behavioral sciences and new technology, according to two federally sponsored reports.
White Draws Fire as Nominee to Head Key Environmental Agency
Kathleen Hartnett White, nominated to chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality, distanced herself from a new climate report and squabbled with Democrats at a Senate confirmation hearing.
Experts Ponder Why Administration Released Tough Climate Report
Scientists and policy experts say the White House released the report, which differs from the administration’s stance, without political tampering to avoid potential further controversy.
Democrats Push NASA Nominee on Partisanship, Science Integrity
The nominee, Rep. Jim Bridenstine, tried to assure the committee of his support for science and his ability to manage NASA apolitically.
