. "Appendix A: Review of Recent Studies." International Network of Global Fiducial Stations: Science and Implementation Issues. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1991.
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INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL NETWORK OF FIDUCIAL STATIONS: SCIENTIFIC AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
APPENDIX A
REVIEW OF RECENT STUDIES
This appendix reproduces recommendations made earlier, which are relevant to the global fiducial network. The recommendations made in the present report are essentially consistent with the results of these previous studies.
Mission to Planet Earth
In 1988 the Task Group on Earth Sciences of the Space Science Board, National Research Council, produced a seminal report entitled Mission to PlanetEarth. The primary research objectives of this mission are addressed in terms of four “Grand Themes,” which are:
To determine the composition, structure, and dynamics of the Earth'sinterior and crust, and to understand the processes by which theEarth evolved toits present state.
To establish and understand the structure, dynamics, and chemistryof theoceans, atmosphere, and cryosphere and their interactions with thesolid Earth,including the global hydrological cycle, weather, and climate.
To characterize the interactions of living organisms among themselvesandwith the physical environment, including their effects on the composition,dynamics, and evolution of the oceans, atmosphere, and crust.
To monitor and understand the interaction of human activities withthenatural environment.
