The year's volcanic activity is summarized. (BB)

Drilling during 1978 focused on three major geologic problems: the nature and origin of the oceanic crust, the nature and geologic history of the active continental margins, and the oceanic paleoenvironment. (Author/BB)

Important areas of geodynamics research for the future are the thermal structure and the volatile content of the crust and upper mantle. (BB)

Techniques in geochemistry continue to improve in sensitivity and scope. The exciting areas of geochemistry still include the classical fields of the origin of the elements and objects in space, but environmental crisis problems are important as well. (Author/BB)

Describes the eruption of inflammable natural gas from the ground surface in the Edith area near Camp Houston. Determining the source of the gas, the results established the Chester-Oswago interval as the most likely source. The surface venting has declined steadily; the likelihood of finding its cause is also described. (SK)

Describes eruption steps in Mt. St. Helens' top surface deformation: constant shaking of earthquakes, minor steaming from vents, and sudden catastrophic eruption. Explosions caused black projectile-laden ash clouds, vertical white steam clouds, and vertical gray ash-laden clouds. (SK)

During 1978, exploration for geothermal energy continued at the same moderately low level of the past few years in most countries. The U.S. is the only country where the development of geothermal energy depends on private industry. (BB)

Three major breakthroughs in Antarctic earth sciences which occurred during 1982 are discussed (finding of land fossils, meteorite, and subsurface microorganisms). Highlights of conferences, research activities, and significant publications are also discussed. (JN)

Describes the proposed investigations to be conducted with ERTS (Earth Resources Technology Satellite), the first experimental satellite for systematically surveying earth resources by remote sensing. Launching set for June, 1972. (PR)