Geological Society of America - GSA Today Archive

WASHINGTON REPORT
Bruce F. Molnia, bmolnia@erols.com, bmolnia@usgs.gov

Acronym Immersion 101: Again

Acronym -- A word (as radar or snafu) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term
-- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary

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In 1992, Washington Report printed a list of acronyms that would allow readers to navigate their way through the alphabet soup of the earth sciences community and through publications originating from many diverse sources in Washington, D.C. This Washington Report presents more than 1,000 acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms (more than twice the size of the 1992 listing) pertaining to U.S. and international federal agencies, international and domestic earth science organizations and societies, organizations of the National Academy of Sciences and its international counterparts, selected Earth Observing System (EOS) instruments, and a smattering of other sources. Generally, acronyms for geographic locations and for corporate and university entities are not included. The list is far from inclusive. Clearly visible is my bias as a Quaternary and high-latitude investigator. International entries focus on International Council of Scientific Unions member councils and affiliates, the International Union of Geological Sciences, the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics societies, and the International Arctic Science Committee.

AAA -- American Anthropological Association
AAAS -- American Association for the Advancement of Science
AAES -- American Association of Engineering Societies
AAOE -- Antarctic Airborne Ozone Experiment
AAPG -- American Association of Petroleum Geologists
AARI -- Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
AAS -- American Astronomical Society
AASE -- Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Experiment
AASG -- Association of American State Geologists
AASP -- American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists
AASSREC -- Association of Asian Social Science Research Councils
AATSR -- Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer
ABLE -- Arctic or Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment
ABSORB -- Arctic Beaufort Sea Oilspill Research Body
ACA -- American Crystallographic Association
ACACIA -- Arid Climate, Adaptation and Cultural Innovation in Africa
ACAPS -- Aerosol Characterization and Process Studies (IGAC)
ACE -- Advanced Compositional Explorer Satellite
ACE -- Advisory Committee on the Environment (ICSU)
ACEED -- Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Education in Global Change
ACRA -- American Cultural Resources Association
ACSM -- American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
ACSYS -- Arctic Climate System (CCP)
ACUNS -- Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies
ADB -- Asian Development Bank
ADD -- Arctic Environmental Data Directory
ADEOS -- Advanced Earth Observation System
ADVANCE -- Analysis of Dendroecological Variability and Natural Climates in Eurasia
ADVICE -- Annual to Decadal Variability in Climate in Europe
AEA -- Association for Environmental Archaeology
AEC -- Atomic Energy Commission
AEDD -- Arctic Environmental Data Directory (IARPC)
AEFPG -- Association of Engineering Firms Practicing in the Geosciences
AEG -- Association of Engineering Geologists
AEG -- Association of Exploration Geochemists (IUGS)
AEPS -- Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (DOS)
AERI -- Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (NASA)
AEROCE -- Atmospheric/Ocean Chemistry Experiment (IGAC)
AES -- Atmospheric Environment Service (Canada)
AESE -- Association of Earth Science Editors
AFGL -- Air Force Geophysical Laboratory
AFN -- Alaska Federation of Natives
AFOSR -- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
AFSC -- Air Force Systems Command
AGA -- Association of Arab Geologists (IUGS)
AGASP -- Arctic Gas and Aerosol Sampling Programme
AGCM -- Atmospheric General Circulation Model
AGI -- American Geological Institute
AGID -- Association of Geoscientists for International Development (IUGS)
AGR -- Department of Agriculture (used by DOS, see DOA)
AGS -- American Gem Society
AGSO -- Australian Geological Survey Organization
AGU -- American Geophysical Union
AID -- Agency for International Development
AIH -- American Institute of Hydrology
AINA -- Arctic Institute of North America
AIP -- Arctic Investigations Program
AIPA -- International Association of African Palynology
AIPEA -- International Association for the Study of Clays (IUGS)
AIPG -- American Institute of Professional Geologists
AIQUA -- Italian Association for the Study of the Quaternary
AIRS -- Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (EOS)
ALIAS -- Arctic Logistics Information Access Service (NSF)
ALPP -- Latin American Association of Paleobotany and Palynology
ALS -- American Lunar Society
ALT -- Altimeter (Eos)
AMAP -- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program
AMC -- American Mining Congress
AMI -- Advanced Microwave Instrument
AMIGO -- Americas' Interhemisphere Geo-Biosphere Organization
AMIP -- Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (GAIM)
AMQUA -- American Quaternary Association
AMRAP -- Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (USGS)
AMS -- American Meteorological Society
AMSR -- Advanced Microwave Sounding Radiometer (NOAA)
ANCSA -- Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
ANILCA -- Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
ANTOSTRAT -- Antarctic Offshore Stratigraphy
ANWR -- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
AOGA -- Alaska Oil and Gas Association
AORIS -- Arctic Offshore Research Information System (DOE)
AOSB -- Arctic Ocean Sciences Board (NRC)
APA90 -- Antarctic Protection Act of 1990
APOA -- Arctic Petroleum Operators Association
APARE -- East Asian - North Pacific Regional Experiment (IGAC)
APQS -- Quaternary Stratigraphy of Asia and Pacific Area (INQUA)
APS -- American Physical Society
AQR -- Applied Quaternary Studies (INQUA)
AQUA -- Australasia Quaternary Association
ARA -- Atmosphere Radiation Analysis Group (NASA, NOAA)
ARC -- Ames Research Center (NASA)
ARC -- Arctic Research Commission
ARCSS -- Arctic Systems Science (NSF)
ARCUS -- Arctic Research Consortium of the United States
ARM -- Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (DOE)
ARO -- Army Research Office (DOD)
ARPA -- Arctic Research and Policy Act
ARS -- Agricultural Research Service (USDA)
ARTS -- Annual Records of Tropical Systems (PANASH, PAGES)
ASC -- Archaeological Survey of Canada
ASCA -- American Society for Conservation Archaeology
ASCA -- Asian Crystallographic Association
ASCE -- American Society of Civil Engineers
ASCS -- Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (USDA)
ASF -- Alaska SAR Facility (NASA)
ASGA -- Association of African Geological Surveys (IUGS)
ASLE -- Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment
ASLO -- American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
ASPRS -- American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
ASTER -- Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer
ASTEX -- Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment
ASTM -- American Society for Testing and Materials
ATLID -- Atmospheric Lidar (EOS)
AVHRR -- Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA)
AWG -- Association for Women Geoscientists
AWRA -- American Water Resources Association
AWSS -- Association of Women Soil Scientists

BAHC -- Biological Aspects of the Hydrological Cycle (IGBP)
BALTEX -- Baltic Sea Experiment (GEWEX)
BAPMON -- Background Air Pollution Monitoring (WMO/UNEP)
BAS -- British Antarctic Survey
BASE -- Beaufort and Arctic Storms Experiment (Canada, GEWEX)
BASIS -- Barents Sea Impact Study (IASC)
BATERISTA -- Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfers and Ecological Research in situ Studies in Amazonia (BAHC/GEWEX)
BATGE -- Biosphere-Atmosphere Trace Gas Exchange in the Tropics (IGAC)
BATS -- Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfer Scheme
BBS -- Biological Behavioral and Social Sciences Directorate (NSF)
BDP -- Baikal Drilling Project
BESIS -- Bering Sea Impact Study
BESR -- Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (NRC)
BFTCS -- Boreal Forest Transect Case Study (Forestry Canada)
BGRG -- British Geomorphological Research Group
BGS -- British Geological Survey
BIA -- Bureau of Indian Affairs (DOI)
BIBEX -- Biomass Burning Experiment: Impact on the Biosphere and Atmosphere (IGAC)
BLM -- Bureau of Land Management (DOI)
BLS -- Bureau of Labor Statistics
BMS -- British Micropalaeontological Society
BOM -- Bureau of Mines (DOI - disbanded)
BOR -- Bureau of Reclamation (DOI)
BOREAS -- Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (NASA, BAHC, GEWEX)
B.P. -- before present, baseline for radiocarbon dating, 1950 C.E.
BRIM -- Biosphere Reserve Integrated Monitoring
BRD -- Biological Resources Division (USGS)
BRD -- Biosphere Reserve Directorate (MAB)
BSD -- Board on Sustainable Development (NRC)
BSP -- Biodiversity Support Program

CAA -- Canadian Archaeological Association
CAA -- Central Arid Asia Project (START)
CAAA -- Clean Air Act Amendments
CAB -- Civil Aeronautics Board
CACGP -- Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution
CAFF -- Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna
CAIP -- Consortium of Affiliates for International Programs (AAAS)
CALM -- Circum-polar Active Layer Monitoring (IPA)
CANQUA -- Canadian Quaternary Association
CanSIS -- Canadian Soil Information System
CAP -- Canadian Association of Palynologists
CAP -- Circum-Atlantic Project
CAPE -- Circumpolar Arctic PaleoEnvironments (formerly PALE, IGBP-PAGES)
CARBICE -- Carbon Dioxide Intercalibration Experiment (IGAC)
CAVE -- CERES ARM Validation Experiment
CBCN -- Canadian Botanical Conservation Network
CBGA -- Carpathian Balkan Geological Association (IUGS)
CBIN -- Canadian Biodiversity Information Network
CCAMLR -- Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
CCAP -- Coastal Change Analysis Project (NOAA)
CCC -- Canadian Climate Centre
CCCO -- Committee on Climate Changes and the Ocean (SCOR/IOC)
CCI -- Canadian Circumpolar Institute
CCIW -- Canada Centre for Inland Waters
CCP -- Canadian Climate Program
CCRN -- Canadian Climate Research Network
CCRS -- Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing
CCT -- computer compatible tape
CDIAC -- Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (DOE)
CDC -- Centers for Disease Control (HHS)
CDC -- Conservation Data Centre
CD-ROM -- compact disk read-only memory
CDR -- Critical Design Review
CELIA -- Climates and Environments of the Last Interglacial in the Arctic (project)
CEAREX -- Coordinated Eastern Arctic Experiment
CEES -- Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences (FCCSET, disbanded)
CEOS -- Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
CEQ -- Council on Environmental Quality (EOP)
CERES -- Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System
CFCs -- Chlorofluorocarbons
CFP -- Call for proposals
CFS -- Canadian Forest Service
CGC -- Canadian Geoscience Council
CGCP -- Canadian Global Change Program
CGER -- Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources (NRC)
CGIAR -- Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research
CGMW -- Commission for the Geological Map of the World (IUGS)
CGRG -- Canadian Geomorphology Research Group
CHESMO -- Climate-Hydrology-Ecosystems Interrelations in Mountainous Regions (BAHC)
CIA -- Central Intelligence Agency
CIA -- Council for Independent Archaeology
CICS -- Canadian Institute for Climate Studies
CID -- Center for Infectious Diseases (HHS)
CIDA -- Canadian International Development Agency
CIMRI -- Center for Inter-American Mineral Resource Investigations (USGS)
CIRES -- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences
CISE -- Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate (NSF)
CLAVR -- Clouds from AVHRR
CLIMAP -- Climate: Long -- range Investigation, Mapping, Analysis and Prediction
CLIP -- Climates of the Past
CLIVAR -- Climate Variability and Predictability (WCRP)
CMG -- Commission for Marine Geology
CMOS -- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Study
CMS -- Clay Minerals Society
COARE -- Coupled Ocean -- Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA, WCRP)
CODATA -- Committee on Data for Science and Technology (ICSU)
COE -- Army Corps of Engineers (DOD)
COGEODATA -- Committee on Geologic Data
COGEODOC -- Commission of Geological Documentation
COGS -- Computer Oriented Geological Society
COHMAP -- Cooperative Holocene Mapping Project
COM -- Department of Commerce (used by DOS, see DOC)
COMAR -- Coastal Marine Project (UNESCO)
CONAHA -- Commission on Natural Hazards Studies
CONRIM -- Council on Northern Resources Information Management
COSPAR -- Committee on Space Research (ICSU)
COSTED -- Committee on Science and Technology in Developing Countries
COSTR -- Cooperative Solar Terrestrial Research Satellite (ESA)
COWAR -- Committee on Water Research (ICSU)
CPAN -- Circumpolar Protected Area Network
CPCEMR -- Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral Resources (IUGS)
CPO -- Core Project Office (IGBP)
CPPC -- Core Project Planning Committee
CRAMRA -- Convention for the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resources
CRER -- Cretaceous Rhythms, Events, and Resources Program (GSGP)
CRP -- Conservation Reserve Program (USDA)
CRREL -- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (DOD)
CRRES -- Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite
CRYSYS -- Cryospheric System to Monitor Global Change in Canada (GEWEX)
CSIR -- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (South Africa)
CSIRO -- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia)
CSNA -- Classification Society of North America
CSPG -- Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
CSRS -- Cooperative State Research Service (USDA)
CUIR -- College and University Innovative Research Program (NSF)
CUSMAP -- Conterminous U.S. Mineral Resources Appraisal Program (USGS)
CWRA -- Canadian Water Resources Association

DAAC -- Distributed Active Archive Center
DARF -- Direct Aerosol Radiative Forcing (IGAC)
DEA -- Drug Enforcement Agency
DEBITS -- Deposition of Biogeochemically Important Trace Species (IGAC)
DEM -- digital elevation model
DGVM -- dynamic global vegetation model
DHHS -- Department of Health and Human Services
DIA -- Defense Intelligence Agency (DOD)
DIFAS -- Digital Ice Forecasting and Analysis System
DIS -- data and Information Systems (IGBP)
DMA -- Defense Mapping Agency (DOD, now NIMA)
DMSP -- Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DOD)
DNA -- Defense Nuclear Agency (DOD)
DNAG -- Decade of North American Geology (GSA)
DOA -- Department of Agriculture
DOC -- Department of Commerce
DOD -- Department of Defense
DOE -- Department of Energy
DOI -- Department of the Interior
DOMSAT -- domestic satellite
DOS -- Department of State
DOT -- Department of Transportation
DPP -- Division of Polar Programs (NSF)
DRI -- Desert Research Institute
DSDP -- Deep Sea Drilling Project
DTA -- differential thermal analysis

EAGS -- European Association of Exploration Geophysicists
EAIS -- East Antarctic ice sheet
EAPG -- European Association of Petroleum Geologists
EASE -- European Association of Science Editors (IUGS)
EASE -- Equal Area SSM/I Earth Grid
EASP -- European Atlantic Seaboard Project
ECC -- European Crystallographic Committee
ECHIVAL -- European International Project on Climate and Hydrological Interactions between Vegetation, Atmosphere, and Land Surfaces (BAHC)
ED -- Department of Education
EDC -- EROS Data Center (USGS)
EEOC -- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
EECOM -- Canadian network for Environmental Education and Communication
EFSU -- Europe and the Countries of the Former Soviet Union Program (AAAS)
EHR -- Education and Human Resources Directorate (NSF)
EIA -- Electronic Industries Association
EIPO -- European IGAC Project Office
ELCP -- European Lake Coring Project
ELDP -- European Lake Drilling Project
ELOISE -- European Land-Ocean Interaction Studies
EMAN -- Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (Canada)
EMCO -- Ecological Monitoring Co-ordinating Office (Canada)
ENAM -- European North Atlantic margin
ENG -- Directorate for Engineering (NSF)
ENRICH -- European Network for Research in Global Change (CEC)
ENSO -- El Niño Southern Oscillation
EOP -- Executive Office of the President
EOS -- Earth Observing System
Eos -- Transactions of the American Geophysical Union
EOSAT -- Earth Observation Satellite Company
EOSDIS -- Earth Observing System Data and Information System
EPA -- Environmental Protection Agency
EPA -- European Palaeontological Association
EPC -- European Palaeoclimate and Man Project
EPD -- European Pollen Database
EPIC -- Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator
EPICA -- European Programme for Ice Coring in Antarctica (PAGES)
EPOCH -- European Programme for Climatology and Natural Hazards
EPOCH -- European Programme on Climate and Hazards (CEC)
EPSCoR -- Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF)
ERBE -- Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (NASA, NOAA)
ERC -- Engineering Research Centers (NSF)
ERF -- Estuarine Research Foundation
ERL -- Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA)
EROS -- Earth Resources Observation System
ERS -- Economic Research Service (USDA)
ERS -- 1, -- 2 -- European Remote Sensing Satellite (ESA)
ESA -- Ecological Society of America
ESA -- European Space Agency
ESCAP -- Economic Soil Commission--Asia Pacific (UN)
ESDD -- Earth Science Data Directory (USGS)
ESDIM -- Environmental Services Data and Information Management
ESF -- European Science Foundation
ESH -- Earth System History
ESIC -- Earth Science Information Center (USGS)
ETSAP -- The International Energy Agency
EU -- European Union
EUG -- European Union of Geosciences
EURATOM -- European Atomic Energy Community
EUROSTART -- European Planning Committee for START
EXPRESSO -- Experiment for Regional Sources and Sinks of Oxidants (IGAC)

FAA -- Federal Aviation Administration (DOT)
FAGS -- Federation of Astronomical, Geophysical & Data Analysis Services (ICSU)
FAO -- Food and Agriculture Organization (UN)
FAQ -- frequently asked question
FAST -- Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer Satellite
FBI -- Federal Bureau of Investigation (JUS)
FCC -- Federal Communications Commission
FCCSET -- Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (EOP)
FDA -- Food and Drug Administration (HHS)
FDA -- Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (AID)
FEMA -- Federal Emergency Management Administration
FERC -- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FGD -- flue gas desulfurization
FHA -- Federal Highway Administration (DOT)
FIFE -- First ISLSCP Field Experiment
FIRE -- First ISCCP Regional Experiment
FLPMA -- Federal Land Policy and Management Act
FMS&HRC -- Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
FOFCC -- Federal Oceanographic Fleet Coordinating Council
FOIA -- Freedom of Information Act
FoP -- Friends of the Pleistocene
FS -- Forest Service (USDA)
FSM -- Federated States of Micronesia
FT fission track dating technique
FTC -- Federal Trade Commission
ftp -- file transfer protocol
FWS -- Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI)
FY -- fiscal year

GAC -- Geological Association of Canada
GAC -- Global Area Coverage
GAGE -- Geospatial Analysis of Glaciated Environments (INQUA)
GAIM -- Global Analysis, Interpretation and Modeling (IGBP)
GAME -- GEWEX Asian Monsoon Experiment
GAO -- General Accounting Office
GAMP -- Global Atmospheric Research Programme
GAS -- Geological Applications of Remote Sensing Program
GATE -- GAMP Atlantic Tropical Experiment
GAW -- Global Atmospheric Watch (WMO)
GBO -- Geosphere-Biosphere Observatories (IGBP)
GCDIS -- Global Change Data and Information System
GCIP -- GEWEX Continental-scale International Project (GEWEX)
GCM -- general circulation model
GCM -- global circulation model
GCM -- global climate model
GCMD -- Global Change Master Directory
GCOS -- Global Climate Observing System (WMO, IOC, UNEP, ICSU)
GCRIO -- Global Change Research Information Office
GCRP -- U.S. Global Change Research Program
GCSS -- GEWEX Cloud System Study
GCTE -- Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems (IGBP)
GD -- Geologic Division (USGS)
GEBCO -- General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans
GECHS -- Global Environmental Change and Human Security
GEF -- Global Environmental Facility (World Bank, UNDP, UNEP)
GEIA -- Global Emissions Inventory Activity (IGAC)
GEMS -- Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP)
GEO -- Geosciences Directorate (NSF)
GEODAS -- Geophysical Data System (NOAA)
GEOS -- Goddard Earth Observing System
GER -- Global Environmental Research
GES -- Geophysics Study Committee (NRC)
GEWEX -- Global Energy and Water Experiment
GGS -- global geospace science
GIM -- Global Integration and Modeling (IGAC)
GIS -- geographic information system
GIS -- Geoscience Information Society
GISP II -- Greenland Ice Sheet Project II (NSF)
GISS -- Goddard Institute for Space Studies
GLIS -- Global Land Information System (NOAA)
GLOBE -- Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment
GLOBEC -- Canadian Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics Programme (SCOR)
GLOCARB -- Global Tropospheric Carbon Dioxide Network (IGAC)
GLOCHANT -- Global Change and the Antarctic (SCAR)
GLOCHEM -- Global Atmospheric Chemistry Survey (IGAC)
GLOCOPH -- Global Continental Palaeohydrology Project (INQUA)
GLONET -- Global Tropospheric Ozone Network (IGAC)
GLORIA -- geologic long-range inclined asdic
GLRS -- geoscience radar ranging system (EOS)
GLSLB -- Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Basin project (Canada)
GMCC -- geophysical monitoring for climatic change
GMCC -- global monitoring for climatic change
GNIP -- Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (IAEA-WMO)
GNP -- gross national product
GOALS -- Global Ocean-Atmosphere-Land System Program
GOES -- geosynchronous operational environmental satellites (NOAA)
GOES -- Global Omnibus Environmental Survey
GOEZS -- Global Ocean Euphotic Zone Study (IGBP)
GOFS -- Global Ocean Flux Study
GOOS -- Global Ocean Observing System
GPCP -- Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GEWEX)
GPO -- Government Printing Office
GPPDI -- Global Primary Productivity Data Initiative
GPR -- ground-penetrating radar
GPS -- global positioning system
GPTS -- geomagnetic polarity time scale
GRAND -- Glaciation and Reorganization of Asia's Network of Drainage (IGCP)
GRID -- Global Resource Information Database (NEP)
GRIP -- Greenland Icecore Project (PAGES)
GS -- Geochemical Society
GS -- Geological Society (UK)
GS -- Geological Survey (see USGS, DOI)
GSA -- General Services Administration
GSA -- Geological Society of Africa (IUGS)
GSA -- Geological Society of America
GSC -- Geological Survey of Canada
GSFC -- Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA)
GSGP -- Global Sedimentary Geology Program
GTOS -- global terrestrial observing system
GVI -- global vegetation index

HALE -- High-Altitude Long Endurance Study (ESA)
HAPEX -- Hydrological-Atmospheric Pilot Experiment
HAP -- Hazardous Air Pollution
HARC -- Human Dimensions of the Arctic System (NSF)
HCFCs -- hydrochlorofluorocarbons
HD/GEC -- Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Programme (ISSC)
HDP -- Human Dimensions (of Global Environmental Change) Program (ISSC)
HESS -- High Latitude Ecosystems as Sources and Sinks of Trace Gases (IGAC)
HHS -- Department of Health and Human Services
HIMS -- High- Resolution Image Information Management System (IGBP-DIS)
HIPP -- Himalayan Interdisciplinary Paleoclimate Project (PEP II)
HIRIS -- high-resolution imaging spectrometer (EOS)
HIRS -- high-resolution infrared sounder
HPCCP -- High-Performance Computing and Communications Program (FCCSET)
HRGC -- Human Response to Global Change (IFIAS, ISSC, UNU)
HRIS -- high-Resolution imaging spectrometer (EOS, ESA)
HRPT -- high-resolution picture transmission
HUD -- Department of Housing and Urban Development
HWIR -- Hazardous Waste Identification Rule
HWRP -- Hydrology and Water Resources Program (of WMO)

IA -- U.S. Information Agency
IAA -- International Association for Aerobiology
IAAP -- International Association of African Palynology
IABO -- International Association for Biological Oceanography
IAEA -- International Atomic Energy Agency
IAGA -- International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy
IAEG -- International Association of Engineering Geology (IUGS)
IAG -- International Association of Geodesy (IUGG)
IAG -- International Association of Geomorphologists
IAGA -- International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy
IAGC -- International Association of Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry (IUGS)
IAGLR -- International Association for Great Lakes Research
IAGOD -- International Association on the Genesis of Ore Deposits (IUGS)
IAHS -- International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IUGG)
IAI -- Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research
IAIA -- International Association for Impact Assessment
IAMAP -- International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics (IUGG)
IAMAS -- International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
IAMG -- International Association of Mathematical Geology (IUGS)
IAOE -- International Arctic Ocean Expedition
IAP -- International Association of Planetology (IUGS)
IAPSO -- International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Ocean (IUGG)
IAPT -- International Association for Plant Taxonomy
IARPC -- Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee
IAS -- International Association of Sedimentologists (IUGS)
IASC -- International Arctic Science Committee
IASH -- International Association of Hydrological Sciences
IASPEI -- International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IUGG)
IAU -- International Astronomical Union (ICSU)
IAVCEI -- International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IUGG)
IBC -- International Boundary Commission (United States, Canada)
IBFRA -- International Boreal Forest Research Association
IBN -- International Biosciences Networks (ICSU, UNESCO)
IBP -- International Biological Programme (ICSU)
IBWC -- International Boundary and Water Commission (United States, Mexico)
ICA -- International Cartographic Association (ICSU)
ICACGP -- International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution
ICAHM -- International Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management
ICAO -- International Civil Aviation Organization
ICASE -- International Council of Associations for Science Education
ICBD -- Ice Core Data Bank
ICBN -- International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
ICC -- Interagency Co-ordinating Committee (IGBP)
ICC -- Interstate Commerce Commission
ICC -- Inuit Circumpolar Conference
ICCPBS -- International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies
ICDP -- International Continental Drilling Program
ICES -- International Commission on Erosion and Sedimentation
ICES -- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
ICG -- Inter-Union Commission on Geodynamics
ICL -- Inter-Union Commission on the Lithosphere (ICSU)
ICOG -- International Conference on Geochronology
ICRSDT -- International Committee on Remote Sensing and Data Transmission
ICS -- International Commission on Stratigraphy
ICSI -- International Commission on Snow and Ice
ICSU -- International Council of Scientific Unions
ICWQ -- International Commission on Water Quality
ICWRS -- International Commission on Water Resources Systems
ICZN -- International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
IDEAL -- International Decade of East African Lakes
IDNDR -- International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
IDRC -- International Development Research Centre
IEA -- International Energy Agency
IEE -- Institute for Environmental Education
IEEE -- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
IEOS -- International Earth Observing System
IFIAS -- International Federation of Institutes of Advanced Studies
IFPS -- International Federation of Palynological Societies (IUGS)
IFSEG -- International Federation of Societies of Economic Geologists
IGAC -- International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project (IGBP)
IGBP -- International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU)
IGBP-DIS -- IGBP Data and Information System
IGC -- International Geological Congress
IGCP -- International Geological Correlation Programme (IUGS, UNESCO)
IGFA -- International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research
IGS -- International Glaciological Society
IGS -- International Glaciospeleological Society
IGU -- International Geographical Union (ICSU)
IGY -- International Geophysical Year (ICSU, 1957 - 1958)
IHD -- International Hydrological Decade (1963 - 1973)
IHDP -- International Human Dimensions Program on Global Environmental Change (ISSC, ICSU)
IHIC -- International Hydrocarbon Intercomparison Committee
IHO -- International Hydrographic Organization
IHP -- International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO)
IHS -- Indian Health Service (HHS)
IIASA -- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (ICSU)
IISD -- International Institute for Sustainable Development
ILP -- International Lithosphere Program
IMA -- International Mineralogical Association (IUGS)
IMAGE -- integrated model for assessment of the greenhouse effect
IMAGES -- International Marine Global Change Study
IMGRASS -- Inner Mongolia Semi-Arid Grassland Soil -Vegetation Atmosphere Interaction (IGAC)
IMC -- International Meteorological Committee
IMF -- International Monetary Fund
IMF -- interplanetary magnetic field
IMP -- interplanetary monitoring platform
IMS -- information management system
IMS -- International Magnetospheric Study
INA -- International Nannoplankton Association
INDOEX -- Indian Ocean Experiment
INHIGEO -- Committee on History of Geological Sciences
INMARSAT -- international maritime satellite
INQUA -- International Union for Quaternary Research (ICSU, IUGS)
INS -- Immigration and Naturalization Service
INSTAAR -- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
INT -- Department of Interior (used by DOS, see DOI)
INTECOL -- International Association for Ecology
INTERRAD -- International Association of Radiolarian Palaeontologists
IOC -- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO)
IOCC -- International Organization on Crystal Growth
IOM -- Institute of Medicine (NAS)
IOP -- International Organisation of Palaeobotany
IPA -- interagency personnel agreement
IPA -- International Palaeontological Association (IUGS)
IPA -- International Permafrost Association
IPC -- International Palynological Congress
IPCC -- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (WMO, UNEP)
IPID -- International Project in Dendroclimatology
IQUA -- Irish Association for Quaternary Studies
IRCP -- International Research Cooperation Project (AAAS)
IRD -- ice-rafted detritus
IRIS -- Imaging Radiometer for Ionospheric Studies
IRM -- isothermal remnant magnetization
IRMA -- Integrated Research Monitoring Area (GSC)
IRS -- Internal Revenue Service (TRSY)
ISA -- International Studies Association
ISAS Japanese Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science
ISC -- International Seismological Centre
ISCCP -- International Satellite Cloud Climatology Program (GEWEX)
ISHTAR -- Inner Shelf Transfer and Recycling Project
ISLSCP -- International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (COSPAR, IAMAP)
ISO -- International Organization for Standardization
ISPG -- Institute of Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology (GSC)
ISPRS -- International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
ISRIC -- International Soil Reference and Information Centre
ISSC -- International Social Sciences Council
ISSS -- International Society of Soil Science (ICSU)
ISTP -- International Solar-Terrestrial Programme
ISY -- International Space Year
ITASE -- International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (PAGES)
ITEX -- International Tundra Experiment
ITIR -- intermediate and thermal infrared radiometer (EOS)
ITOY -- International Tropospheric Ozone Year
ITRDB -- International Tree-Ring Data Bank
IUAES -- International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences
IUBS -- International Union of Biological Sciences
IUCN -- International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IUCr -- International Union of Crystallography (ICSU)
IUGG -- International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (ICSU)
IUGS -- International Union of Geological Sciences (ICSU)
IUHPS -- International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science (ICSU)
IUPAB -- International Union of Pure and Applied Biophysics (ICSU)
IUPAC -- International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICSU)
IUPAP -- International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (ICSU)
IWC -- International Whaling Commission
IWG -- Interagency or International or Investigators Working Group
IWGGCDM -- Interagency Working Group on Data Management for Global Change
IYO -- International Year of the Ocean (1998)

JEA -- Japan Environmental Agency
JERS -- 1 -- Japanese ERS
JGOFS -- Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (SCOR)
JIC -- Navy, NOAA, Coast Guard Joint Ice Center
JIRP -- Juneau Icefield Research Project
JOI -- Joint Oceanographic Institutions
JPL -- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA)
JOIDES -- Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling
JRC -- Joint Research Centre (CEC)
JSC -- Johnson Space Center (NASA)
JSC/WCRP -- Joint Steering Committee of the World Climate Reseach Programme
JUS -- Department of Justice

K/Ar -- potassium-argon dating technique
KSC -- Kennedy Space Center (NASA)
K-T -- Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary

LAB -- Department of Labor
LAF -- Lower Atmospheric Facilities (NSF)
LAII -- Land-Atmosphere-Ice Interactions (NSF)
Landsat -- Land remote-sensing satellite
LaRC -- Langley Research Center (NASA)
LAPD -- Latin American Pollen Database
LAVIP -- Landsurface-Atmospheric-Vegetation Interaction Programme (IAMAP, IAHS)
LAWS -- Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (EOS)
LBA -- Large-scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (GEWEX)
LEADEX -- Leads Experiment
LEMA -- long-term ecological modeling activity
LEO -- low-Earth orbiter
LIDAR LITE -- Lidar In-space Technology Experiment
LOICZ -- Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (IGBP)
LRC -- Langley Research Center (NASA)
LRTAP -- Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution
LTER -- long-term ecological research (DOE, MAB)
LTERM -- Long-Term Ecosystem Research and Monitoring (CGCP)
LUCC -- Land Use and Cover Change (IGBP, IHDP)

MAB -- Man and the Biosphere (DOS, UNESCO)
MAC -- Mineralogical Association of Canada
MACE -- Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Directorate (MAB)
MAGE -- Marine Aerosol and Gas Exchange (ASTEX under IGAC)
MAGS -- Mackenzie River Basin GEWEX Study
MARAD -- U.S. Maritime Administration (DOT)
MECCA -- Model Evaluation Consortium for Climate Assessment (project)
MEDALUS -- Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use
MEDCOM -- Mediterranean Regional Committee for START
MEI -- multivariate ENSO index
METC -- Morgantown Energy Technology Center (DOE)
METOP -- Meteorological Operational Satellite
MIMR -- multifrequency imaging microwave radiometer (EOS)
MIRS -- multiangle imaging spectroradiometer (EOS)
MIZEX -- Marginal Ice Zone Experiment
MMC -- Marine Mammal Commission
MMS -- Minerals Management Service (DOI)
MNAP -- Managers of National Antarctic Programs
MODIS -- moderate-resolution imaging spectrometer (EOS)
MOPITT -- measurement of pollution in the troposphere
MOS -- marine observation satellite
MOU -- memorandum of understanding
MSA -- Mineralogical Society of America
MSFC -- Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA)
MSHA -- Mine Safety and Health Administration (LAB)
MSS -- multi-spectral scanner (Landsat)
MSU -- microwave sounding unit
MTPE -- Mission to Planet Earth (NASA)

NAAQS -- National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAD -- Nansen Arctic Drilling Program
NADB -- National Archaeological Database
NAE -- National Academy of Engineering
NAFM -- North African Regional Committee for START
NAFTA -- North American Free Trade Agreement
NAGT -- National Association of Geology Teachers
NAPC -- North American Paleontological Convention
NAPD -- North American pollen database
NAPP -- National Aerial Photography Program
NARE -- North Atlantic Regional Experiment (IGAC)
NARL-UIC -- Naval Arctic Research Laboratory--Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation
NARSIA -- North American Remote Sensing Association
NARST -- National Association for Research in Science Teaching
NARSTO -- North American Research Strategy for Tropospheric Ozone
NAS -- National Academy of Sciences
NASA -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASP -- North Atlantic Seaboard Programme (IGCP)
NATAC -- North Atlantic Chemistry Experiment
NATO -- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NATO-ARW -- NATO advanced research workshop
NAVOCEANO -- Naval Oceanographic Office
NBIOME -- northern biosphere observation and modeling experiment
NBS -- National Biological Service (formerly National Biological Survey, now BRD)
NBS -- National Bureau of Standards
NCA -- National Climate Archive (Canada, AES)
NCAP -- Nansen Centennial Arctic Program
NCAR -- National Center for Atmospheric Research
NCDC -- National Climate Data Center
NCEAS -- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
NCEER -- National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research
NCEP -- National Centers for Environmental Prediction
NCP -- National Climate Program
NCPTT -- National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NPS)
NCRC -- National Climate Research Committee (Canada, WCRP)
NDVI -- normalized difference vegetation index
NEA -- National Endowment for the Arts
NEB -- National Energy Board
NECOP -- Nutrient-Enhanced Coastal Ocean Productivity Program
NEH -- National Endowment for the Humanities
NEHRP -- National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program
NEIC -- National Earthquake Information Center (USGS)
NEPA -- National Environmental Policy Act
NEPERF -- Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility (DOD)
NERC -- Natural Environment Research Council (UK)
NES -- national energy strategy
NESDIS -- National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NOAA)
NESTA -- National Earth Science Teachers Association
NGA -- National Geothermal Association
NGDC -- National Geophysical Data Center
NGO -- non-governmental organization
NGS -- National Geographic Society
NHAP -- National High-Altitude Photography Program
NIE -- National Institute for the Environment
NIH -- National Institutes of Health (HHS)
NIMA -- National Imaging and Mapping Agency
NIST -- National Institute of Standards and Technology (DOC)
NLRB -- National Labor Relations Board
NMD -- National Mapping Division (USGS)
NMFS -- National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)
NMML -- National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NOAA)
NMNH -- National Museum of Natural History (SI)
NOAA -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC)
NOARL -- Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (DOD)
NODC -- National Oceanographic Data Center (NOAA)
NOGAP -- Northern Oil and Gas Action Plan (Canada)
NOHALICE -- Nitrous Oxide and Halocarbons Intercalibration Experiment (IGAC)
NOMHICE -- Non-Methane Hydrocarbon Intercomparison Experiment (IGAC)
NOS -- National Ocean Service (NOAA)
NOSC -- Naval Ocean Systems Center (DOD)
NOWES -- Northern Wetlands Study
NPR -- National Public Radio
NPRA -- National Petroleum Reserve--Alaska
NPS -- National Park Service (DOI)
NPS -- Naval Postgraduate School (DOD)
NRA -- National Rifle Association
NRC -- National Research Centers (NSF)
NRC -- National Research Council
NRC -- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NRCS -- National Resources Conservation Service
NREL -- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
NRM -- natural remnant magnetization
NSA -- National Security Agency
NSB -- National Science Board (NSF)
NSC -- National Security Council
NSDB -- National Soil Database (Canada)
NSERC -- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
NSF -- National Science Foundation
NSIDC -- National Snow and Ice Data Center (NOAA)
NSS -- National Speleological Society
NTIS -- National Technical Information Service (DOC)
NTS -- National Topographic System (Canada)
NTSB -- National Transportation Safety Board
NUSC -- Naval Underwater Systems Center (DOD)
NWS -- National Weather Service (NOAA)
NWTRB -- Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board
NWWA -- National Water Well Association

OAPEC -- Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries
OAR -- Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (NOAA)
OAS -- Office of Aircraft Services (DOI)
OAS -- Organization of American States
OCEANAV -- Oceanographer of the Navy (DOD)
OCM -- ocean circulation model
OCP -- Organization of Czech Palynologists
OCRWM -- Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (DOE)
OCSEAP -- Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program (MMS)
OCST -- ocean color and temperature scanner
ODP -- Ocean Drilling Program (NSF)
OECD -- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
OES Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (DOS)
OIES -- Office of Interdisciplinary Earth Sciences (UCAR)
OIG -- Office of the Inspector General
OMB -- Office of Management and Budget (EOP)
ONR -- Office of Naval Research (DOD)
OPEC -- Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
OPM -- Office of Personnel Management
OPPTS -- Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (EPA)
ORNL -- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (DOE)
OSB -- Ocean Studies Board (NRC)
OSHA -- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (LAB)
OSM -- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (DOI)
OSSA -- Office of Space Science and Applications (NASA)
OSTP -- Office of Science and Technology Policy (EOP)
OSWER -- Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (EPA)
OTA -- Office of Technology Assessment (U.S. Congress--defunct)

PAAL -- Paleolimnology of Alpine-Adriatic Lakes (IGBP, PAGES)
PACT -- Palaeoecological Analysis of Circumpolar Treeline
PAGES -- Past Global Changes (IGBP)
PALE -- Paleoclimates of Arctic Lakes and Estuaries (PAGES)
PAME -- Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (AEPS)
PANASH -- Paleoclimates of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (PAGES)
PASC -- Polar Atmospheric and Snow Chemistry (IGAC)
PASH -- Palaeoclimates of the Southern Hemisphere
PCB -- polychlorinated biphenyl compounds
PCSP -- Polar Continental Shelf Project (Canada)
PEP -- Pole-Equator-Pole (PANASH)
PERT -- Project on Education, Research and Training
PHS -- Public Health Service (HHS)
PI -- principal investigator
PICES -- North Pacific Marine Sciences Organization
PICES -- Pacific International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
PISCES -- Paleolimnological Investigations of Salinity, Climatic and Environmental Shifts
PKDB -- International Paleoclimate Data Bank
PLSPC -- Research Programme on Landsurface Processes and Climate (WCRP)
PMAP -- Palaeoenvironmental Multiproxy Analysis and Mapping Project
PMC -- Program Management Council (NASA)
PMEL -- Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (NOAA)
PMIP -- Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project (PAGES)
POA -- Palaeovegetation of the Americas (project)
POES -- Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite
POPs -- persistent organic pollutants
PPAA -- Palynological and Palaeobotanical Association of Australia
PPMB -- Palynology and Plant Micropalaeontology of Belgium
PRB -- Polar Research Board (NRC)
PS -- Paleontological Society
PSC -- Palynological Society of China
PSD -- Program on Population and Sustainable Development (AAAS)
PSFG -- Permanent Service on Fluctuations of Glaciers
PSJ -- Palynological Society of Japan
PSIS -- Science and International Security Program (AAAS)
PSO -- Project Science Office
PSP -- Palynological Society of Poland
PWDC -- Panel on World Data Centers (ICSU)

QA/QC -- Quality Analysis/Quality Control
QRA -- Quaternary Research Association (UK)

RADAR -- radio detecting and ranging
RADARSAT -- radar remote sensing satellite (Canada)
RCGS -- Royal Canadian Geographical Society
REU -- Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (NSF)
RFP -- requests for proposal
RICE -- Rice Cultivation and Trace Gas Exchange (IGAC)
RMAG -- Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists
RPC -- Russian Palynological Commission
RSC -- Royal Society of Canada
RSWG -- Response Strategies Working Group (IPCC)

SAA -- Society for American Archaeology
SAC -- Scientific Advisory Council (IGBP)
SAFCOM -- Southern, Central and Eastern African Regional Committee (START)
SAG -- scientific advisory group
SALSA -- Semi-Arid Land Surface Atmosphere Program
SALT -- savannahs in the long term
SAR -- synthetic aperture radar
SARB -- surface and atmospheric radiation budget
SARCS -- Southeast Asia Regional Committee (START)
SAS -- Society for Archaeological Sciences
SASQUA -- Southern African Society for Quaternary Research
SBA -- Small Business Administration
SBIR -- Small Business Innovative Research Program (NSF)
SCAR -- Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (ICSU)
SCCWRP -- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
SC-IDNDR -- Scientific Committee for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (ICSU)
SC-IGBP -- Scientific Committee for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU)
SCOPE -- Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (ICSU)
SCOR -- Scientific Committee on Ocean Research (ICSU)
SCOSTEP -- Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics (ICSU)
SCS -- Soil Conservation Service (USDA)
SCWIST -- Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
SD -- standard deviation
SeaWifs -- sea-viewing wide -- field scanner
SEC -- Securities and Exchange Commission
SEG -- Society of Economic Geologists (IUGS)
SEM -- scanning electron microscope or microscopy
SEM -- space environmental monitor (EOS)
SEMS -- Seafloor Earthquake Measurement System
SEPM -- Society for Sedimentary Geology
SEQS -- Subcommission on European Quaternary Stratigraphy
SETAC -- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
SGA -- Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (IUGS)
SGE -- Sigma Gamma Epsilon
SI -- Smithsonian Institution
SIL -- International Association of Limnologists
SIR -- shuttle imaging radar (NASA)
SLAR -- side-looking airborne radar
SLICE -- Study of the Last Interglacial Climate and Environment
SMCRA -- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
SMME -- Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
SMI -- Smithsonian Institution (used by DOS, see SI)
SMMR -- scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (NOAA)
SNOTEL -- snow-water-equivalent telemetered
SOE -- state of the environment
SOI -- Southern Oscillation index
SOLAS -- Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (IGBP)
SOP -- standard operating procedure
SPARC -- Stratospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (WCRP)
SPE -- Society of Petroleum Engineers
SPOT -- Système pour l'Observation de la Terre
SRA -- Society of Risk Assessment
SSA -- Seismological Society of America
SSA -- Social Security Administration
SSC -- Scientific Steering Committee
SM/I -- special sensor microwave/imager (NOAA)
SSSA -- Soil Science Society of America
SST -- sea surface temperature
STARE -- Southern Tropical Atlantic Regional Experiment
START -- Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training (IGBP)
STCs -- science and technology research centers (NSF)
STEP -- Solar-Terrestrial Energy Program (DOE)
STL -- Space and Technology Laboratory (NASA)
STRI -- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (SI)
SUTA -- stratospheric and upper tropospheric aeorosols (IGAC)
SVP -- Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
SWAMP -- Science Working Group of the AM Platform

TACT -- Trans-Alaska Crustal Transect
TALI -- Trans-Alaska Lithosphere Investigation
TAM -- Tropical Asian Monsoon Region (START)
TAPS -- Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
TARFOX -- Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment
TARGETS tool to assess regional and global environmental and health targets for sustainability
TEACOM -- Temperate East Asia Regional Committee (START)
TEAMS -- trace element accelerator mass spectrometry
TED -- Tropical Ecosystem Directorate (MAB)
TEM -- terrestrial ecosystem model (GAIM)
TIGER -- Terrestrial Initiative in Global Environmental Research (NERC)
TIROS -- television infrared operational satellite
TLUI -- traditional land-use inventory
TM -- Landsat thematic mapper
TOGA -- Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Experiment
TOMS -- total ozone mapping spectrometer
TOPEX -- Poseidon Ocean Topography Experiment
TOVS -- TIROS operational vertical sounder
TRAGEX -- trace gas exchange: mid-latitude ecosystems and atmosphere (IGAC)
TRMM -- Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (LBA)
TRSY -- Department of the Treasury
TVA -- Tennessee Valley Authority
TWAS -- Third World Academy of Sciences

UAF -- Upper Atmospheric Facilities (NSF)
UCAR -- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
UCS -- Union of Concerned Scientists
UKMO -- United Kingdom Meteorological Office
UN -- United Nations
UNCED -- United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNCLOS -- United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea
UNCSTD -- United Nations Centre for Science and Technology for Development
UNDP -- United Nations Development Programme
UNDRO -- United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator
UNEP -- United Nations Environmental Programme
UNESCO -- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC -- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNGASS -- United Nations General Assembly
UNOLS -- University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (NSF)
UNPUOS -- United Nations Outer Space Committee
URL -- uniform resource locator
USAF -- U.S. Air Force
USAP -- U.S. Antarctic Program, formerly U.S. Antarctic Research Program
USARC -- United States Arctic Research Commission
USCG -- U.S. Coast Guard
USDA -- U.S. Department of Agriculture
USGCRP -- U.S. Global Change Research Program
USGS -- U.S. Geological Survey
USSAC -- U.S. Science Advisory Committee (ODP)
USWRP -- U.S. Weather Research Program
U/Th -- uranium/thorium dating technique
UTM -- universal transverse mercator
UV -- ultraviolet

VAS -- VISSR atmospheric sounder
VISSR -- visible and infrared spin scan radiometer

WAIS -- West Antarctic Ice Sheet Project (PAGES)
WAIS -- Wide Area Information Service
WCDP -- World Climate Data Programme
WCIP -- World Climate Impact Programme
WCP -- World Climate Programme
WCRP -- World Climate Research Programme (WMO/ICSU)
WDC -- World Data Center
WDDES -- World Digital Database for Environmental Science
WFEO -- World Federation of Engineering Organizations
WFPC -- wide-field planetary camera (Hubble space telescope)
WGMS -- World Glacier Monitoring Service
WHO -- World Health Organization
WHC -- World Heritage Centre (UNESCO)
WHS -- World Heritage Site
WMO -- World Meteorological Organization
WOCE -- World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WCRP)
WOVO -- World Organization of Volcano Observatories
WRD -- Water Resources Division (USGS)
WWW -- World Wide Web
WWW -- World Weather Watch

XRD -- X-ray diffraction