The U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (USNC/IUGG) serves to advance geodesy and geophysics in the United States and through the world by: Representing the interests of the U.S. geological sciences community in all activities of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the U.S. adhering body to the IUGG. Fostering collaborative research through the organization and sponsorship of scientific meetings in the U.S. and abroad. Sending delegates as representatives of geophysicists in the United States to IUGG-sponsored international congresses and meetings. Advising the President of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) on U.S. participation in the IUGG. USNC/IUGG Committee Membership and Roster Committee membership includes a distinguished panel of scientists drawn from academia, research, government, and non-profit institutions, whose expertise bridges various geological disciplines. The roster also includes the President and Executive Director of the American Geophysical Union as Ex-Officio members as well as U.S. leaders of the IUGG associations as liaisons.
Focal Point of Discussion The USNC/IUGG serves as a focal point for U.S. discussions on how to best maintain the viability and relevance of the geophysical sciences internationally. It provides guidance and input to the IUGG on these issues, and plans and implements U.S. participation in the programs of the IUGG. The Committee works in cooperation with scientific societies and seeks their input on nominations to the committee. Adviser on Science Issues The USNC/IUGG advises the President of the National Academy of Sciences on issues		A view pictured on the UCLA Earth and Space Sciences Web site.
related to and affecting both the U.S. and international geoscience communities. The committee also seeks advice from the U.S. geoscience community, including industry, academia, and government; identifies opportunities for the geoscience community; and represents the United States at IUGG General Assemblies. Program Outreach The Committee conducts an outreach program to the U.S. geodetic and geophysical science community that includes providing information to the community about union and committee activities; sponsoring symposia at scientific association meetings on topics of international interest in the geosciences; and advocating participation in international interdisciplinary projects on such issues as biodiversity and sustainability.

Established in 1919, the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics is a non-governmental scientific organization dedicated to the application of scientific knowledge to societal needs and the international promotion and coordination of scientific Earth studies (physical, chemical, and mathematical sciences), including:
Earth’s shape, gravitational and magnetic fields, and its environment in space. The dynamics of the Earth as a whole and of its component parts. Earth’s internal structure, composition and tectonics, the generation of magmas, volcanism and rock formation. The hydrological cycle including snow and ice, all aspects of the oceans. The atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere and solar-terrestrial relations, and analogous problems associated with the Moon and other planets. Mineral resources and the mitigation of natural hazards and environmental preservation.

IUGG: Eight Semi-Autonomous Associations The IUGG is comprised of seven semi-autonomous Associations, each responsible for a specific range of topics or themes within the overall scope of Union activities: International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS) IACS promotes the study of all aspects of, and physical processes related to, Earth’s cryosphere and that of other bodies of the Solar System. International Association of Geodesy (IAG) IAG promotes scientific cooperation and research in geodesy on a global scale. International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) IAGA is the premier international scientific association promoting the study of terrestrial and planetary magnetism and space physics. International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) IAHS promotes the study of hydrology as an aspect of the earth sciences, water resources, and those hydrological problems that require international cooperation. International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS) IAMAS promotes the newest achievements in meteorology, atmospheric science, and related fields. It also facilitates and coordinates research that requires international cooperation. International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO) IAPSO promotes the study of scientific problems relating to the oceans and the interactions taking places at the sea floor, coastal, and atmospheric boundaries insofar as such research is conducted by the use of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior (IASPEI) IASPEI promotes the study of problems relating to earthquakes, to the propagation of seismic waves, and to the internal structure, properties and processes of the Earth. International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) IAVCEI promotes the study of volcanology research, the efforts to mitigate volcanic disasters, and research into closely related disciplines, such as igneous geochemistry, petrology, and geochronology.

Revised 21 May 2008