[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S8262]]
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, in the nineteenth century, 
Merriwether Lewis and William Clark explored the western reaches of our 
expanding country. As they explored my home region of the Pacific 
Northwest, Lewis and Clark cataloged the mineral and natural resources 
of the land. In particular, they spoke of a mighty river known to the 
local inhabitants as Nch'i Wana, the Great River. We know it today as 
the Columbia River and its importance as a reliable source of water and 
power to the people of the Pacific Northwest is undeniable.
  When Twentieth Century American explorers embarked on a similar 
journey to explore the Moon, one of their earliest actions was to bend 
down to the surface and pick up a rock. That simple movement framed an 
ancient reflex that underscores the basic imperative to explore our 
surroundings. Today, I want to recognize the important role played by 
the earth sciences in expanding our economy, supporting our national 
goals, and increasing our knowledge of the larger world.
  Modern geophysical research reveals that ours is a dynamic planet. On 
the Earth's surface, great tectonic plates shift continental positions 
with terrific force. On the ocean's surface, microscopic plants and 
animals help regulate global atmospheric gases and serve as the 
foundation of our planet's food web. In the deep ocean abyss, 
mysterious and wondrous animal communities thrive in endless darkness 
by deriving life-sustaining nutrients from active volcanic vents.
  Earth science is a global science that speaks a global language and 
unites people by promoting sustainable development. The study of earth 
science provides the skills necessary for locating and utilizing 
natural resources, understanding natural processes that often conflict 
with human designs, and comprehending our natural heritage through the 
unusual perspective of geologic time. The unique panorama of geologic 
time allows us to observe the full range of natural processes on Earth 
and aids in developing a comprehensive view of the natural world beyond 
a perspective limited only to that of human influence.
  In my home state of Oregon, we celebrate the land and respect the 
power of nature. We have learned to protect our citizens and expand our 
economy by working with nature and prudently mitigating natural 
hazards. In consideration of the importance of the earth sciences in 
the daily lives of all Americans, I submit, for the Record, the 
resolution issued by the Association of American State Geologists.
  The resolution follows:

       Whereas the earth sciences are fundamental to society; and
       Whereas the earth sciences are integral to finding, 
     developing, and conserving mineral, energy, and water 
     resources needed for society; and
       Whereas the earth sciences promote public safety by 
     preparing for and mitigating natural hazards such as floods, 
     landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, and 
     coastal erosion; and
       Whereas the earth sciences are crucial to environmental and 
     ecological issues ranging from climate change and water and 
     air quality to waste disposal; and
       Whereas geological factors of resources, hazards, and 
     environment are vital to land management and land use 
     decisions at local, state, regional, national, and 
     international levels; and
       Whereas the earth sciences contribute critical information 
     that enhances our understanding of Nature,
       Therefore, be it resolved that the second full week of 
     October henceforth be designated as Earth Science 
     Week.

                          ____________________