Subject: [SLR-Mail] No. 972: NASA Solid Earth Science WG Report - available for final review From: John LaBrecque/NASA HQ <###FROM###> ******************************************************************************** SLR Electronic Mail 2002-08-26 19:38:00 UTC Message No. 972 ******************************************************************************** Author: John LaBrecque/NASA HQ Subject: NASA Solid Earth Science WG Report - available for final review August 21, 2002 Dear Colleagues, The penultimate draft of Living on a Restless Planet , the blue ribbon Solid Earth Science Working Group´s (SESWG) long term vision for NASA´s solid Earth Science program, is available for review and comment at http://solidearth.jpl.nasa.gov. I encourage you to carefully review this document and to comment on the report directly to the SESWG at seswg@hq.nasa.gov. The report will be available for review through September 30, 2002. In the words of Sean Solomon, the SESWG committee chairman: ”NASA has an opportunity to make key observations that can revolutionize our ability to characterize, monitor, and forecast changes in our planet´s surface. In recognition of that opportunity, Dr. Ghassem Asrar, the NASA Associate Administrator for the Office of Earth Sciences, appointed the SESWG in the summer of 2000. The SESWG was charged ” to guide the science community in the development of a recommended long-term vision and strategy for solid-Earth science at NASA. In the course of our deliberations, the working group sought the advice of experts both within NASA and from other organizations. We briefed our scientific colleagues at two national meetings and we maintained a report of our progress on an open Web site to invite comments and suggestions from the broad scientific community. The SESWG report is the working group´s response to our charge. We hope you agree that this ”long-term vision and strategy for solid-Earth science at NASA not only is scientifically compelling but offers the potential to improve humankind´s ability to thrive on our restless planet.” Following the comment period, Living on a Restless Planet will undergo one final revision before publication. The document will then serve as a guide in developing a stronger and more focused NASA Solid Earth and Natural Hazards Program. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the SESWG scholars and to all those who contributed to this report. There were many long hours filled with enjoyable, stimulating, and sometimes contentious scientific discussions that brought us to this near final draft. Please read it and provide us with your comments. John LaBrecque, Manager Solid Earth and Natural Hazards Program -- ********************************************************************************