Database Evaluation AGU (American Geophysical Union) Publications

Answer

**Publisher:** American Geophysical Union (AGU) / Wiley Online Library
**Subjects Covered:** Earth and planetary sciences, atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrology, climate science, and space physics.

Overview

AGU Publications provide access to a suite of peer‑reviewed journals, books, and conference papers that advance research in Earth and space sciences. Founded in 1919, the American Geophysical Union is one of the world’s leading scientific organizations, known for rigorous peer review and broad disciplinary coverage. AGU journals are essential for geologists, environmental engineers, and Earth systems researchers at institutions like South Dakota Mines.

Scope and Content

  • Journals: Over 20 active titles covering atmospheric, oceanic, solid Earth, hydrologic, and planetary sciences.
  • Major Titles: Journal of Geophysical Research (series), Geophysical Research Letters, Earth’s Future, Water Resources Research, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, Tectonics, and Space Weather.
  • Content Types: Original research, data papers, editorials, and open‑access proceedings.
  • Coverage Dates: 1896–present, with a rich historical archive.
  • Access Model: Subscription and open‑access hybrid via Wiley Online Library.
  • Publisher Partnership: AGU and Wiley jointly manage journal hosting and distribution.

Strengths

  • High impact and global reputation in Earth and space sciences.
  • Comprehensive coverage across geophysics, climate, and planetary systems.
  • Strong historical archive dating back more than a century.
  • Supports interdisciplinary work across environmental, geological, and engineering fields.
  • Open‑access options promote accessibility of current research.
  • Rigorous peer review ensures scientific reliability and credibility.

Limitations

  • Research‑focused content; not suitable for general or introductory users.
  • Requires institutional or personal subscription for full‑text access.
  • Interface via Wiley may require familiarity with advanced search tools.
  • Limited multimedia or teaching materials; primarily scholarly text and data.
  • Highly technical language geared toward professional researchers.

Best For

  • Geology, geological engineering, and environmental science students conducting advanced research.
  • Faculty and researchers in atmospheric, hydrologic, and planetary sciences.
  • Graduate projects involving Earth systems, geophysics, or sustainability studies.
  • Engineering disciplines with geoscience applications such as mining, hydrology, or civil design.
  • Climate and resource scientists analyzing environmental data or modeling systems.

Complementary Databases

Need

Recommended Source

Broad Earth and environmental science coverage

GeoRef (EBSCO), Earth, Atmospheric & Aquatic Science Collection

Atmospheric and climate data

Web of Science, GreenFILe

Applied geoscience and engineering

Engineering Village, Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate

Environmental policy and sustainability

ScienceDirect

Government and technical reports

USGS Publications Warehouse, NOAA Data Portal

Overall Evaluation

AGU Publications represent the gold standard in geophysical, atmospheric, and environmental research. They provide access to authoritative, high‑impact journals essential for Earth science and engineering programs. For South Dakota Mines, AGU resources strengthen geology, hydrology, and environmental research, while supporting cross‑disciplinary study in sustainability and planetary sciences. They should appear on the A‑to‑Z Databases list and in Geology, Environmental Engineering, and Atmospheric Sciences LibGuides as a premier resource for Earth and space science research.

 

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📍 Devereaux Library, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD

  • Last Updated Oct 28, 2025
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  • Answered By Library Services

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