Jeff Williams/NASA You may have heard me say this before, but I firmly believe there are few topics more fundamental to study than the workings of our planet. The earth sciences aim to unravel how the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere operate---and how they operate together. It is a science of synthesis. And it's one that needs to move forward, both because of the great service the earth sciences perform for society and the understanding of world-shaping processes that they advance. Now, earth scientists are not always the first researchers you see on TV or in articles about science, even if the topic is plainly within their realm. Since the days of Carl Sagan, the physicists have carved out a nice role as the most prominent popular science communicators. There isn’t anything wrong with that. But earth scientists are experts on the Earth---and when questions arise about climate, hazards, and resources, it makes sense to reach out to the researchers who have the most knowledge and expertise in those earthy topics. Even though physicists have the strongest voice in science communication, there are many more outlets for earth scientists to spread their knowledge. The free flow of communication from scientist-to-scientist and scientist-to-public is the key to making sure the country continues to value science: funding research across all sciences, appreciating and acting on the results, and continuing to give scientists the freedom to accumulate and interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions. This isn’t some vast conspiracy of scientists trying to get rich, but rather people dedicated to knowing how the planet operates. If you’re excited about learning about earth science, a great way to start is to follow earth scientists and earth science organizations on Twitter. Many of us strongly value communicating with the public, mostly because we’re just that excited about what the science is doing and discovering. So I’ve created a list of people and organizations to follow to get you started in earth science. Scientists are people, so expect a lot of science but also a lot of other things that make them tick (or make them angry, or thrilled). This, by no means, is an all-inclusive list. Rather, it's a cherry-picked list of my favorites. If you have other earth scientists who you think need a follow, leave them in the comments and I can amend the post over time—especially with international and non-English language geoTweeters. Give me a reason to add them so I can add details for people looking for science on Twitter. Enjoy!
Scientists (in no particular order, with apologizes to all I couldn't include)
1861-2 atmospheric river storm destroyed 1/3 of CA's taxable land: much more damage than 1857 #Tejonquake and 1906 SF quake.
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 9, 2017
@drlucyjones: Dr. Lucy Jones is an earthquake expert who recently retired after years of service with the U.S. Geological Survey. She quells a lot of the crazy ideas and "predictions" people have about earthquakes, especially in California.
When I do science, I work with scientists of all ages, colors, genders and nationality. When we are inclusive, we do better. #USofScience
— Anne Jefferson (@highlyanne) January 20, 2017
@allochthonous and @highlyanne: This duo write Highly Allochthonous and run all-geo.org. Both faculty at Kent State University, Anne Jefferson studies water, especially in urban environments while Chris Rowan works on paleomagnetism and tectonics. Both are strong advocates for science, science communication and diversity/inclusivity in the sciences.
Great paper that I refer back to time & time again. http://t.co/5Y4xZmHqPv
— Tessa Hill (@Tessa_M_Hill) January 27, 2017
@Tessa_M_Hill: Tessa Hill is a professor at UC Davis and an expert on climate and oceans. She is also (along with the aforementioned Anne Jefferson) an AAAS Public Engagement Fellow.
Finally got my @geosociety lecture tour talks onto @figshare! First, 'The Geological Hubble': http://t.co/PgP4t8IlnW...(1/n)
— Christopher Jackson (@seis_matters) January 27, 2017
@seis_matters: Christopher Jackson studies basin analysis (in other words, how sediment and tectonics creates and fills valleys and depressions on Earth) at Imperial College. He's also about to head off on a lecture tour for the Geological Society of America.
#FridayFeeling one of first experiments trying to make #lava go under #water#syracuselavalabhttp://t.co/tDmqdbOtfE - lava wasn't keen
— Ben Edwards (@lava_ice) January 13, 2017
@lava_ice: Ben Edwards is a volcanologist at Dickinson College working on volcanoes in far-flung places like Iceland and Chile. He also likes to dabble in making his own volcanoes with the help of the folks at Syracuse University.
Kennda Lynch @marsgirl42 : need terrestrial analogs for Mars groundwater-fed lakes like paleolakes in Western USA @AstrobiologyNAI@saganorgpic.twitter.com/BMUapg9Sy5
— Jennifer Glass (@methanoJen) January 17, 2017
@methanoJen: Jen Glass is faculty Georgia Tech and studies geobiochemistry and how microbes impact methane production. She's a prolific tweeter and activist as well, trying to protect the freedom of speech for scientists and making science as open and accepting as possible.
Beautiful, snowy Kamchatka via @NASAEarthhttp://t.co/gfhNrtifr7pic.twitter.com/ZWjdj9xUiD
— Allen Pope (@PopePolar) January 20, 2017
@PopePolar: Allen Pope studies glaciers, snow and ice using satellites. He's an invaluable resource for keeping track of how climate change in impacting our frozen water.
Any young girls out there interested in geosciences, @USGSVolcanoes helps host GeoGirls on Mount St. Helens: http://t.co/xzuPYaZ1cNpic.twitter.com/yOEoLkHEQ7
— Janine Krippner (@janinekrippner) January 27, 2017
@janinekrippner and @alisongraeting: Together, Janine Krippner and Alison Graetinger keep track of all the volcanic events that even I have troubling keeping up with. Beyond that, they run In the Company of Volcanoes
as well.
#whyIMarch Because science and reason matter. #womensmarchSFpic.twitter.com/kl9RuNk1Kv
— Jessica Ball (@Tuff_Cookie) January 22, 2017
Can't educate about climate science without the data! Thank you @ClimateCentral - looking forward to your next 100 days #climate100http://t.co/yOC0O4wko8
— Dr. G (@guertin) January 21, 2017
@guertin: Dr. Laura Guertin is passionate about geoscience educatio
n and getting students involved in research to get them excited about earth sciences.
Who knew you could go hiking on a volcano in the East Bay? (A very old and folded one...) pic.twitter.com/lR74Jh69aR
— Jessica Ball (@Tuff_Cookie) January 17, 2017
@tuff_cookie: Jessica Ball is a volcanologist currently with the USGS and a former Geological Society of America Congressional Fellow. She also writes Magma Cum Laude
on the AGU Geoblogs.
Scientists offer an empirical method of assessing future risk. Policy makers ignore them at their citizens' peril.http://t.co/kHh3dVrFen
— Callan Bentley (@callanbentley) January 28, 2017
@callanbentley: Callan Bentley is faculty at Northern Virginia Community College and a prolific blogger, tweeter and geologic illustrator.
Sneak preview. Design by Dot Little, published by @BodPublishing Available 10 February http://t.co/JxyL4XGo8Mpic.twitter.com/VSGLhkwBrU
— David Pyle (@davidmpyle) January 13, 2017
@davidmpyle: David Pyle is a distinguished professor at Oxford University, an author of several books on volcanoes and an important drive of Oxford Sparks and STREVA (strengthening resilience to natural hazards in volcanic areas).
Lottery-style program to subsidize earthquake retrofitting of your California home. Register by Feb 27. http://t.co/g2ZvkPdKDJhttp://t.co/71E7bv4FgJ
— Austin Elliott (@TTremblingEarth) January 26, 2017
@TTremblingEarth: Austin Elliot is a post-doctoral researcher studying active tectonics and also writes (and tweets) about earthquakes
. If you need even more (and you do), Ron Schott (@rschott) keeps an exhaustive list of geologists on Twitter
.
New: Italy’s Etna has its first eruption of 2017, Erta’Ale has first lava flows in decade and Alaska keeps busy: http://t.co/74Dd2mnVgY
— Erik Klemetti (@eruptionsblog) January 27, 2017
And there is also yours truly: @eruptionsblog
Organizations
(Note: Some of these accounts are US government agencies, so I can’t guarantee they’ll remain the great sources of science information moving forward.)
All #volcanoes in the #Cascade Range of Washington and Oregon are at normal background levels of activity this week. http://t.co/B13e6mk1wrpic.twitter.com/pgbT52b81n
— USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) January 27, 2017
@USGS and @USGSVolcanoes: The U.S. Geological Survey has a ton of useful Twitter accounts to shell out lots of great information. You can start with the main survey account and I, of course, recommend the Volcanoes account to keep track of all the rumblings of the volcanoes monitored by the USGS. If earthquakes interest you, try @USGSBigQuakes.
"These results support the recommendations of the Paris Agreement..." Via #AGUblogs from #AGUpubs@AGU_Eoshttp://t.co/i6YczM8QWl
— Am Geophysical Union (@theAGU) January 28, 2017
@theAGU and @AGU_Eos: These two are the main account for the American Geophysical Union and the Union's magazine, Eos. You'll find tweets on new earth science research, posts from the great AGU blog network and statements of policy from AGU (@AGUSciPolicy), including their letter denouncing restrictions on how scientists can communicate. If you're into volcanoes, you can also try the @AGUvgp account for the Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology group.
Not all #mummies come wrapped in linen. This #PhotoFriday, see incredible photos of alpine animal ice mummies: http://t.co/92bm6UR4Bapic.twitter.com/L4JZ2CROJc
— GlacierHub (@GlacierHub) January 27, 2017
@GlacierHub: The account for Glacier Hub, a nexus of information about glaciers and the impact that changing climate has on glaciers along with the communities impacts by glaciers.
New post, old trowelblazer: Gertrude Bell by @artefactual_KW featuring an awesome hand-drawn map of her exploits http://t.co/KZiDLmXmPG
— trowelblazers (@trowelblazers) January 26, 2017
@trowelblazers: This account sends out links and information about the multitude of women who had played important roles in the history of archaeology, palaeontology & geology along with what women are doing across these fields today.
ICYMI on our #SpeakingofGeoscience Blog: 'My DHA-RA @GeoCorps Experience in Washington, DC'http://t.co/RmwpiKES6ehttp://t.co/qSnfylIvM4pic.twitter.com/T1AyHsztEK
— geosociety (@geosociety) January 27, 2017
@geosociety: The Geological Society of America, bringing you new earth science research and links to fascinating articles on our planet from across the internet.
How did our planet get its #water? Find out over on this great post on for #EGUBlogs: http://t.co/AEYlSyJLkE#AGUBlogspic.twitter.com/JJnQ7QCrVK
— EGU (@EuroGeosciences) January 28, 2017
@EuroGeosciences and @EGU_GMPV: The European Geosciences Union, the European twin of AGU along with their section of Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology.
New paper from @volcano_mel et al using seismic data to unravel quiescent-explosive transition at SHV. http://t.co/OTYA6zbs8spic.twitter.com/X1jD6dy6Ga
— STREVA (@StrevaProject) January 10, 2017
@STREVAProject: I mentioned the STREVA (strengthening resilience to natural hazards in volcanic areas) Project above, but it deserves it's own listing. The Project looks to help areas in danger from volcanic activity through outreach and research. You should also check out my post on the various volcano observatories you can follow on Twitter
. Journalists (again, just some of my favorite science journalists, but there are many, many more out there!)
Eek, a close call in space tomorrow. #Spacedebris threatens 1 of the SWARM magnetic-field satellites. Controllers may boost its orbit. http://t.co/hneqoamoEH
— Alexandra Witze (@alexwitze) January 24, 2017
@alexwitze: Alexandra Witze writes for Nature and is the co-author of Island on Fire about the eruption of Laki in Iceland.
Curiosity did a wheel survey today. Lookit the pebble rolling around inside the wheel, tik-tunk, tik-tunk, tik-tunk... pic.twitter.com/Hp72ONUcPJ
— Emily Lakdawalla (@elakdawalla) January 28, 2017
@elakdawalla: Emily Lakdawalla writes for the Planetary Society about space exploration and extraterrestrial geology.
Dear California: A few good storms doesn't end a major drought. http://t.co/vmpZqDHKnp
— Mika McKinnon (@mikamckinnon) January 27, 2017
@mikamckinnon: Mika McKinnon is a trained geophysicist and a freelance science writer (along with sci-fi science consultant)
Last time the Earth was this warm, sea level was a whole lot higher http://t.co/1Hyyb0YIRq
— Scott K. Johnson (@SJvatn) January 23, 2017
@SJVatn: Scott Johnson is science journalist for Ars Technica and science editor for Climate Feedback.
He visto cosas en mi vida que pocos han visto, pero esto me ha superado por completo. Parte de mi corazón se quedó en Amatrice. http://t.co/3VFaMG6OtG
— davidcalvo (@teideano) December 12, 2016
@teideano: David Calvo is a member of INVOLCAN (@involcan), a volcano monitoring group in the Canary Islands and a radio/TV personality covering science.
Sinkhole is where Temescal Creek, long culverted, used to run 100 years ago. Another creek, the former Kohler Creek, was assigned its name. http://t.co/12ve3yOaVs
— Andrew Alden (@aboutgeology) January 23, 2017
@aboutgeology: Andrew Alden has been writing about geology on the internet longer than most people and has wrote some fascinating stuff about the geology of the Bay Area (amongst many other topics).
Died #OTD in 1873, Victorian geologist Adam Sedgwick who teached a young Darwin the skills of a field geologist http://t.co/vL7eNSuxHB
— David Bressan (@David_Bressan) January 28, 2017
@david_bressan: David Bressan writes about geology for Forbes, tackling the long and winding history of the discipline.
Crazy times in the #Arctic -- "What has happened over the last year goes beyond even the extreme." http://t.co/DMrjh9o63f
— EARTH Magazine (@earthmagazine) January 25, 2017
@earthmagazine: As the title implies, Earth magazine digs deep into the planet to cover all the news and research in geosciences. Looking at Earth (I'm a big fan of satellite views of Earth, and you should be too!)
Despite the winter storms, there is still a long way to go before California makes up its snow-water deficit. http://t.co/cyWFGk5zzJ#CAwxpic.twitter.com/xIfHSoy2YH
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) January 28, 2017
@NASAEarth: The NASA Earth Observatory has thousands of amazing images of the planet and keeps them coming on our ever-changing world. They also help us visualize the vast amount of data that can be collected by earth-observing satellites.
Glaciers in Alaska's National Parks: Monitoring Change http://t.co/eNMrNu61LI#storymap
— NASA Landsat Program (@NASA_Landsat) January 25, 2017
@NASA_Landsat: This account follows all the great work done by the NASA/USGS Landsat missions that watch the planet.
Unnamed Location (77.0°N 15.8°W) September 11th 2015 pic.twitter.com/N9534SmWnj
— Landsat Bot (@LandsatBot) January 28, 2017
@Landsatbot: This automated account is great if you like random satellite views of the planet from Landsat 8. Sometimes they are an area of geologic wonder, sometimes they are "unnamed location" in the middle of the ocean or arctic.
Extensive fresh lava flows on Ethiopia’s Erta Ale Volcano. Images from January 16 and 23. pic.twitter.com/UlcuNyqLaJ
— Planet (@planetlabs) January 28, 2017
@Planetlabs: Their armada of Doves are some of the newest earth observing satellites.
