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
