Dr. Irasema Alcántara-Ayala
Institute of Geography, UNAM
Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria
04510, Coyoacan, Mexico, D.F.
Mexico City, Mexico
Tel: (+5255) 56 22 43 39 ext. 45466
Fax: (+5255) 56 16 21 45
E-mail:
Mexico City, August 2006
Dear Colleague,
At the request of IGU Executive Committee, I have the pleasure to assume the role of theme leader for contributions by geographers to the “International Year of Planet Earth” (IYPE) related to the topic of Deep Earth –from crust to core-. According to the Science Implementation Team of this IYPE key topic, the main questions to be focused on are: (1) How can we better understand mass transfer at Earth’s surface, and its feedback with deep Earth recycling? (2) How can our improved understanding of Earth processes lead to better prediction? (see ).
When I was asked to act as a theme leader of a topic I am not specialist on, I had some doubts to accept such a challenging task. However, being a geomorphologists and indeed a geographer, enabled me to foresee the role of geography within the framework of the essentials in the science programme established by the IYPE, which are as follows: (a) Based in the geosciences, (b) Global in scope, (c) Holistic and multidisciplinary, (d) Human impact integral,(e) Potential for Developing Countries, (f) Potential for Effective Outreach, (g) Essentially “bottom-up” in approach.
The topic of Deep Earth involves a series of key issues from crust to core, in such a way that continental topography in terms of surface processes, geoprediction, observing the present, reconstructing the past, lithosphere deformation behaviour, process modelling and validation, and challenges and new developments, are not only the fragments of this scientific puzzle, but scenarios where contributions by geographers can be regarded as the main link of Earth sciences and societies.
My duty will be concentrated on acting as a key facilitator for geographers who would like to contribute to the IYPE. Particular emphasis is made on the tasks undertaken by those geographers who are involved in special cross-disciplinary national committees. The major endeavour is to offer information on ongoing activities in different countries and among scientific groups, making it accessible to the wider research communities, not to launch new research projects. Researchers who are enthusiastic to share insights from their work related to both science and/or outreach in the fields associated to Deep Earth (pure and applied) are most welcome. Please do feel free to download the corresponding information brochure (
I would be delighted to gain information with reference to your research findings regarding the key issues proposed by the international panel of expertise on Deep Earth, but also examples of the most appropriate means used to convey your contributions in the media, education and the wider public. Suggestions and recommendations by mail or email are Welcome.
I would appreciate very much if you could please let me have these responses by 30 September 2006. This will allow me to prepare a summary outline of the IGU contributions to IYPE Deep Earth, including a detailed time-table for presentation of results, for submission to the IGU Executive Committee for consideration at their meeting in Tunis 11-16 November 2006.
Let’s work together from core to crust creating a sustainable future for humankind and our planet!
Many thanks and Deep regards,