What are some specific research goals that JPL scientists are currently working on?
Evans: Right now we’re working on ways to measure one molecule of carbon dioxide in 1,000,000 molecules of air, and changes in sea surface salinity equivalent to adding one-sixth of a teaspoon of salt to one gallon of water. Climate scientists need these incredibly challenging measurements to improve their models of global warming. EE: Geology was the focus of your academic career and the early part of your professional life. What sparked this interest? Evans: I became interested in geology when I was working at Yellowstone National Park the summer after my freshman year in college. I was amazed by the bubbling mud pots (turbulent pools of hot, muddy water) and wanted to learn more about what caused them. I started taking geology courses when I returned to school in the fall and found them to be the most interesting classes I’d ever had. EE: Has it been hard to transition from a geology-focused background to your current position, which involves topics ranging from oceanography to atmo
