NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

Support for this project was provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (under Grant No. 02-74944-000-GEN) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service (under an unnumbered purchase order). Additional support was provided by the Committee on Data for Science and Technology, the International Council for Science, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or agencies that provided support for the project.

Copies of this report are available from the Board on International Scientific Organizations, 500 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001; 202-334-2807; Internet, http://www7.nationalacademies.org/biso/.