Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.1
Citations in the ISI database as of early February 2008 employing
the term 'Earth-System Science'. Each of the 283 different references can be cross-
referenced into one or more subject areas - the average number of subject areas
covered by each paper is 3.4.
The very attempt to articulate an intellectually coherent structure across a fi eld so broad
is itself perilous, and the implicit claim to infl uence over the future advance of knowl-
edge is bold, to say the least. Yet that is the challenge of Earth System Science, and
this contribution is intended in that spirit, as a foil to debate and a spur to action.
Many of the judgements expressed here may be poorly considered or misleading, and
important aspects may have been overlooked. If individuals are stimulated to correct
these errors, to fi ll in pieces of the puzzle, or simply to express opposing views, this
survey will have served its purpose (Bretherton, 1985, p. 1119).
