Describes the nature and function of source and reference databases in the geosciences and discusses current trends in the development of such databases. A 32-item reference list and a directory listing geoscience databases from around the world (including information on organizational sponsors and online accessibility) accompany the text. (JL)

Describes efforts to evaluate and map the susceptibility of barrier islands to damage from storms, erosion, rising sea levels and other natural phenomena. Presented are criteria for assessing the safety and hazard potential of island developments. (WB)

Examines the relationship between climatic change and carbon dioxide from the historical perspective; details the contributions of carbon-based fuels to increasing carbon dioxide concentrations; and using global circulation models, discusses the future impact of the heavy reliance of our society on carbon-based fuels on climatic change. (BT)

Recent research studies of both classifications of ocean margins (active or of Pacific type and passive or of Atlantic variety) have yielded a considerable amount of new information leading to some new theories. These theories regarding different kinds of tectonic activity are discussed. (BT)

Detailed descriptions are given of two procedures for measuring the radius of the earth, one using a rule and the other a stopwatch. (MP)

The abundance and distribution of the elements on the earth can, in part, be explained in terms of chemical properties such as reduction potentials, solubilities, ionic size, densities, melting points, and pH. The relative abundance of the elements, their distribution, and their concentration, particularly on the earth, are discussed. (Author/BB)

Discusses advancements in trace-element analyses related to health and disease, earth science, and physiological processes. (MLH)

Explores possibility of extra-terrestrial life, reviewing current hypotheses regarding where in space life would most likely occur. Discusses astrometry and spectroscopy as methods for determining stellar motions. Describes United States and Soviet projects for receiving stellar communications. Relates origin of life on earth to observed high…

Describes the application of underwater acoustical technology by fishing industries. (SL)

Describes an approach that uses the learning cycle to meaningfully teach students about mineral properties while alleviating the tedious nature of identifying mineral specimens. Discusses mineral properties, cooperative learning, and mineral identification. (JRH)

Presents ideas on the use of rainy weather for activities in the earth, life, and physical sciences. Topics include formation and collision of raindrops, amount and distribution of rain, shedding of water by plants, mapping puddles and potholes, rainbow formation, stalking storms online, lightning, and comparing particles in the air before and…

Describes observations of tethered satellites or subsatellites. Presents tracking tips to help students observe a new satellite, the Tether Physics and Survivability experiment. (JRH)

Presents a science activity using cubes for constructing the "Olympus Mons" model, the largest known volcano in the solar system. Uses the Catalina Mountains as a real-life comparison and builds a scale-proportionate model. (YDS)

Contains the second of three columns reviewing films on earthquakes. The films are about earthquakes in general, though California earthquakes play a dominant role in many of these films, which are rated on a scale of one to five stars. The list includes the year made, length of time in minutes, distribution source, and price. One of the top-rated…

Points out the opportunities provided in teaching with information technologies. Explains instructional design by teaching the course entirely on the Internet. Describes characteristics of effective education and the role of the instructor in an on-line course. (Author/YDS)