In oceanography, as in any scientific field, the goal is not to eliminate uncertainty in data, but instead to better quantify and clearly communicate its size and nature.
Opinions
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An Ambitious Vision for the Future of Scientific Ocean Drilling
Scientific ocean drilling is an enduring paragon of global research, advancing knowledge of Earth and informing scientists and educators for 55 years. A new road map plots the way to further discovery.
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Geoscientists Can Help Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Weapons
A nuclear war would claim many lives from its direct impacts and cause rapid climate change that would further imperil humanity. Scientists can help shape policies to put us on a safer path.
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Quit Worrying About Uncertainty in Sea Level Projections
Emphasizing uncertainty in model projections of long-term sea level rise is a misguided approach. Instead, we should focus on communicating what we do know while improving model confidence.
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Reframing Funding Strategies to Build Reciprocity
Extractive and exploitive practices erode trust in Western science among Indigenous communities. Changing funding structures is one way to develop reciprocity and respect and repair relationships.
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Training the Next Generation of Physical Data Scientists
Preparing a diverse new generation of scientists who can use artificial intelligence and data science to better understand and predict geoscience phenomena requires revamped training.
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Australia’s Unfolding Geoscience Malady
Brutal university cuts are putting at risk an industry crucial to addressing climate change Down Under and around the world. Saving geoscience will require a community reckoning.
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Remembering FLIP, an Engineering Marvel for Oceanic Research
Since the 1960s, the Floating Instrument Platform has bobbed at the sea surface, supporting numerous discoveries. One scientist recalls his time aboard FLIP during what was likely its final mission.
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Code-Switching and Assimilation in STEM Culture
The scientific community cannot claim it is becoming a diverse and inclusive culture based on numbers alone—not if professionals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color must leave themselves behind to be part of it.
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Realizing Machine Learning’s Promise in Geoscience Remote Sensing
Machine learning and signal processing methods offer significant benefits to the geosciences, but realizing this potential will require closer engagement among different research communities.