The basic characteristics of sixty-nine secondary services in physics were analyzed in terms of sponsorship and distribution by: (1) country of origin, (2) language, (3) age, (4) frequency of publication, (5) subject and geographical coverage and (6) size. The eight major services, in terms of size, are identified. The use of the services by the…

Discusses the question posed by some that the earth's magnetic field may reverse. States that rocks magnetized by ancient fields may offer clues to the underlying reversal mechanism in the earth's core. (TW)

Hot spots are isolated areas of geologic activity where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and upwelling currents occur far from plate boundaries. These mantle plumes are relatively stable and crustal plates drift over them. The nature and location of hot spots (with particular attention to the Hawaiian Islands and Iceland) are discussed. (DH)

Traces the history of various theories about Mars that were derived through direct observation. (MLH)

In determining how the Appalachian Mountains were formed, various workings of tectonic processes at continental margins are also being illuminated. The research has important implications for understanding specific processes which shaped the earth and for unraveling the record of plate movements now preserved only in present and former continental…

The continuing controversey over offshore oil/gas has given impetus to searching for domestic energy alternatives. The need for and types of several alternative sources are discussed. Indicates that the United States needs to pursue both offshore and other domestic liquid-fuel sources if it is to avoid becoming increasingly dependent on imports.…

Consequences of major and minor volcanic eruptions which took place during 1982 are discussed. These include lava flows, explosive activity, cloud production, and earthquakes of such volcanoes as Mount St. Helens, El-Chichon (Mexico), and Galunggung (Indonesia). Books, conferences, and publications focusing on volcanology are highlighted. (JN)

Approximately thirty years ago archivists began formulating new models to guide archival collecting, creating a literature that continues to grow. In the mid-1980s, the introduction of the documentation strategy collection model put new emphasis on cooperation between repositories and among stakeholders. The model initially focused on the history…

The American Institute of Physics is working toward the development of a national information system for physics, whose objective is the organization of the flow of physics information from the producers to the users. The complete physics information system has several constituent subsystems, among which are: one for the management of the flow of…

This is the first article of a two-part series on how research can help reduce the hazards of earthquakes. It deals with attempts to predict quakes so that people can get out of the way. (Author/HM)

Seismological research last year was directed toward several fundamental problems. Advances were made in the computation of theoretical seismograms for complex structures and sources. (BB)

It is shown that there is no ambiguity in Bradford's theory of distribution. Starting with two basic postulates laid down by Bradford, a mathematical expression is derived such that its curve agrees with the experimentally plotted data for periodicals in fields of applied geophysics and lubrication. Five references are listed. (Author/EJS)