It is hard to predict, especially
the future.

There is a saying going something like:
Be careful what you wish for. You might get it. I have counted
on this saying all my life. And that is the back ground for my
predictions for Earth science the next decade. It is more of a wish
list than anything else. Well, maybe not entirely.

Based on my work within the Earth
sciences, particularly in international organizations such as the
Global Geodetic Observing System and GEO, I like to think I can offer
you a mix of educated guesses – and wishes.

Unfortunately, I do not see a big
revolutionary discovery waiting for a break through. It is more of
seemingly boring incremental research that will steadily bring us
forward. At least for the near future, say the next 10 years.

Sharing Data

Sharing data, for real and not just
political statements, might actually qualify as a revolution.

Increased Accuracy

Continuity

Multi-discipline

It is surprisingly little interactions
between the various sub-disciplines in Earth sciences. I am not
saying there isn't any at all, mind you, but compared to how popular,
for such a long time, multi-disciplinary research has been among
science policy makers and funding agencies

Better Earth models

Our Earth models
today are way too uncertain. It is just a matter of fact. All the
above factors will contribute to important improvements of the models
within the next decade. Yet,

Uncertainty