Environmental and Earth Sciences

▸ Agencies

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Science Mission Directorate, 300 E St. S.W., #3C26 20546; (202) 358-3889. Fax, (202) 358-3092. Edward J. Weiler, Associate Administrator.

General e-mail, science@hq.nasa.gov

Web, http://science.hq.nasa.gov/directorate/index.html

Engages the science community, sponsors scientific research, and collaborates with NASA's partners to answer fundamental questions in environment and earth science. Researches the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe, the solar system, and the integrated functioning of the earth and the sun.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (Commerce Dept.), 14th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W., #5128 20230; (202) 482-3436. Fax, (202) 408-9674. Vacant, Under Secretary. Information, (301) 713-4000. Library, (301) 713-2600. Press, (202) 482-6090.

Web, http://www.noaa.gov

Conducts research in marine and atmospheric sciences; issues weather forecasts and warnings vital to public safety and the national economy; surveys resources of the sea; analyzes economic aspects of fisheries operations; develops and implements policies on international fisheries; provides states with grants to conserve coastal zone areas; protects marine mammals; maintains a national environmental center with data from satellite observations and other sources, including meteorological, oceanic, geodetic, and seismological data centers; provides colleges and universities with grants for research, education, and marine advisory services; prepares and provides nautical and aeronautical charts and maps.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (Commerce Dept.), Central Library, Library and Information Services, 1315 East-West Hwy., SSMC3, 2nd Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (301) 713-2607. Fax, (301) 713-4599. Neal Kaske, Director. Reference service, (301) 713-2600, ext. 124.

General e-mail, library.reference@noaa.gov

Web, http://www.lib.noaa.gov

Collection includes electronic NOAA documents, reports, and videos; electronic and print journals; the NOAA Photo Library; bibliographic database of other NOAA libraries; and climate data. Makes interlibrary loans; library open to the public.

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National Science Foundation (NSF), Geosciences, 4201 Wilson Blvd., #705N, Arlington, VA 22230; (703) 292-8500. Fax, (703) 292-9042. Timothy Killeer, Assistant Director.

Web, http://www.nsf.gov

Directorate that supports research about the earth, including its atmosphere, continents, oceans, and interior. Works to improve the education and human resource base for the geosciences; participates in international and multidisciplinary activities, especially to study changes in the global climate.

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National Science Foundation (NSF), Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., #755S, Arlington, VA 22230; (703) 292-8030. Fax, (703) 292-9081. Karl A. Erb, Director.

Web, http://www.nsf.gov/dir/index.fsp?org=OPP

[Page 609]Funds and manages U.S. activity in Antarctica; provides grants for arctic programs in polar biology and medicine, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, meteorology, ocean sciences, and glaciology. The Polar Information Program serves as a clearinghouse for polar data and makes referrals on specific questions.

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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (Smithsonian Institution), 647 Contees Wharf Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 (mailing address: P.O. Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028); (443) 482-2200. Fax, (443) 482-2380. Anson H. Hines, Director. Press, (443) 482-2400.

Web, http://www.serc.si.edu

Performs laboratory and field research that measures physical, chemical, and biological interactions to determine the mechanisms of environmental responses to humans' use of air, land, and water. Evaluates properties of the environment that affect the functions of living organisms. Maintains research laboratories, public education program, facilities for controlled environments, and estuarine and terrestrial lands.

United States Arctic Research Commission, 4350 N. Fairfax Dr., #510, Arlington, VA 22203; (703) 525-0111. Fax, (703) 525-0114. John Farrell, Executive Director.

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