Ten Organizations for Geographic Information - Geography - page 324

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)
NOAA is the principal agency of the U.S. government concerned with collection, analysis, and dis-
semination of information about the ocean and atmosphere. As such, it offers a wealth of data regard-
ing non-terrestrial aspects of physical geography. Its oceanic concerns involve coral reefs, tides and
currents, marine sanctuaries, coastal development issues, and the effects of chemical and oil spills.
Given its mandates regarding safe navigation and transportation, NOAA also engages in ocean map-
ping and is the country's major publisher and supplier of nautical and aeronautical maps and charts.
Atmospherically, NOAA is probably best known as the parent agency of the U.S. Weather Service,
whose official forecasts, advisories, and satellite images are standard fare for TV and radio weather
reports. Climatic phenomena, such as El Niño and La Niña, global warming, climate prediction, and
paleoclimatology (ancient climate patterns) fall within its scope, as well as topics about atmospheric
quality and human-atmosphere interaction.
A visit to NOAA's well-organized Web site is a great way to explore what the agency has to offer and
to obtain hard-copies of their information. The online address is www.noaa.gov . You can also reach
them through their Public Affairs Office at [phone], or write to NOAA, 14th Street and Con-
stitution Avenue, NW, HCHB 6013, Washington, DC 20230.
Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
The Population Reference Bureau provides timely information on population trends and their implic-
ations. While it markets some very fine resources pertaining to American demographics, PRB's sig-
nature product is its World Population Data Sheet ($6, including postage and handling), an annually
updated chart that includes more than 15 demographic variables for 200 countries. Other publications
include the quarterly Population Bulletin, a monthly newsletter ( Population Today ), and the quarterly
PRB Reports on America. The PRB also has an education program that produces high-quality lesson
plans and classroom resources for the elementary and secondary school levels.
PRB is completely apolitical. It does not endorse or advocate positions related to population policy
or controversial population issues. In short, the PRB has no agenda other than to provide the most
reliable information possible, and to let the data speak for themselves. Access their Web site at
www.prb.org or send them an e-mail at [e-mail]. You can snail-mail them at PRB, Suite 520,
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009-5728.You can always try one of their phone
numbers at [phone] or [phone]. If all else fails, send them a fax at [phone].