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Read, Publish, and Review

 

COVID-19

We recognize that COVID-19 has drastically reduced the ability to participate in AGU's publishing activities. AGU staff remains fully committed to support the submission and peer review operations throughout this challenging time. If you need additional time to complete your revision or submit your review, please notify the journal inbox. We are happy to grant extensions.

As a leading publisher in the scientific community, AGU maintains the highest quality standards and promotes best practices in scholarly publishing. We've created a simple six-step infographic [PDF] to help you get published with AGU journals as well as a quick overview about our publications [PDF].

Journals

Our 22 peer reviewed journals are driven by editors who are recognized experts and leaders in their respective research areas. We boast the fastest publication times across all Earth and space science journals, allowing your research to be accessed, read, and cited sooner. A number of our journals are open access.

Books

AGU’s books program aims to publish up to 20 books per year across the breadth of Earth and space science topics by leading researchers from around the world.

Preprint server

The Earth and Space Science Open Archive (ESSOAr) is a community server where scientists can share early research outputs including preprints and posters presented at major scientific meetings.

Learn more about AGU’s publications and policies, and find out how to be an author, reviewer, or editor.

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Access AGU Publications

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Open Access

Learn more about AGU's open access publications efforts.
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Scientific integrity and
professional ethics

Our policy for scientific integrity and professional ethics includes being an author, reviewer, and editor for our publications.
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Data policy

Guidelines for complying with open data standards
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Prior
publication
policy

Read AGU’s policy on materials that have been previously published, dual publication, and preprint servers.
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Permissions policy

Learn about our policy for re-using figures, tables or quotes from AGU publications.
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Journal statistics

Key statistics about AGU journals' performance including times to decisions and journal impact factors.
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Free content

Find out what AGU content you can access for free.

Geofacets

Geofacets, with free access for AGU members, allows users to seamlessly search and integrate georeferenced maps from trusted sources.
LEARN MORE

Contacts

AGU Staff Headshot Hanson

Brooks Hanson

Executive Vice President, Science

| [email protected]

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Matthew Giampoala

Vice President, Publications

| [email protected]

AGU Staff Headshot Lunn

Jenny Lunn

Director, Publications - Books, Enhanced Content

| [email protected]

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Margaret Moerchen

Director, AGU Journals - Advances, Enhanced Content

| [email protected]

AGU Staff Headshot Panning

Jeanette Panning

Director, Publications - Programs

| [email protected]

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Randy Townsend

Director, Publications Operations

| [email protected]

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Paige Wooden

Sr. Program Manager, Publications Statistics

| [email protected]

Publication requirements

Our journals welcome submissions from around the world. In addition to meeting the requirements outlined, all authors are expected to adhere to our ethical guidelines when submitting a manuscript.All new data for submissions should be placed into community data repositories (not in supplements).

  • 1
    All listed authors must agree to be an author, read the final manuscript, approve of the order of authors, and meet our authorship criteria.
  • 2
    Authors affirm that the manuscript is an original contribution. Any parts taken from previously published content are appropriately referenced and quoted.
  • 3
    Authors have received permission to use or reuse any copyrighted material and data presented in the manuscript.
  • 4
    Authors affirm the manuscript is not and will not be submitted anywhere else while under consideration by an AGU journal.
  • 5
    Authors will disclose if any other manuscripts related to their submission are under consideration by other journals during the editorial process.
  • 6
    Authors agree to comply with our publication policies.
Checklists and templates

Preparing your manuscript for submission

We offer a range of tools to make it easier for authors to submit new papers and revisions. Our checklists and templates are available below to assist you in preparing your manuscript. Papers may also be submitted directly using the cloud-based authoring tools Overleaf and Authorea. If you use any of the templates, the metadata from the paper will be automatically loaded into our submission system when you upload the manuscript file.

Paper types

AGU journals accept several different paper types as submissions. Be sure to review the recommended lengths and details on paper types before submitting your manuscript.

The formula for publication units (PU) = number of words/500 + number of figures + number of tables. Word count includes abstract, text (and in-text citations), figure captions, and appendices. Word count excludes title, author list and affiliations, plain language summary, table text, references, and supporting information.

Research articles present fully developed analysis, results, and discussion on topics within the scope of the journal. They are expected to present new theories and novel concepts along with their applications, and the results should be significant. Although there is no length limit, AGU encourages clarity and conciseness. We charge excess length fees for manuscripts longer than 25 publication units. Research articles are handled by the editorial staff of the journal and are sent to multiple reviewers. Research articles are not accepted in Geophysical Research Letters.

Research letters are articles on major advances in all major geoscience disciplines.  Research letters are only available in Geophysical Research Letters, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, and Earth and Space Science.  Letters should have broad and immediate implications in their discipline or across the geosciences. Research letters are limited to 12 publication units. Submitted manuscripts longer than 12 publication units will be returned for shortening.

Commentaries provide readers with context on a recent publication or meeting, a notable anniversary or event, an update on a paper of importance, or special collection in an AGU or other journal. Commentaries are submitted to a specific journal but the audience is the broad Earth and space science community. The maximum length is up to six publication units and up to two tables or figures. Read our author guidelines on commentaries.

Reviews are invited or submitted papers that review and synthesize recent literature on a given topic. The recommended length is 30 publication units with approximately six figures or tables excluding references and supporting material.

These papers elaborate on or criticize papers previously published in our journals. Comments are limited to two published pages (about five publishing units). Please review our Comment and Reply policy page for more information on the comment and reply process. Comments and replies are not allowed in Geophysical Research Letters.

Replies are written in response to comments by the authors of the paper being commented on. Replies are limited to five publication units). Please review our Comment and Reply policy page for more information on the comment and reply process. Comments and replies are not allowed in GRL.

Frontier articles are invited articles that present a review of recent cutting-edge advances in one of our disciplines, including new results, if possible. Frontier articles are limited to 19 publication units.

Technical reports: Data describe important data sets and observations and should provide an example of a relevant scientific application to demonstrate the usefulness of the data. The data set may refer to experimental studies, lab measurements, modeling output or observations. These papers are limited to 13 publication units. Please contact journal staff to determine if that journal offers this paper type.

Technical reports: Methods describe novel analytical or experimental methods that enable new science, as well as other technical advances, including computer programs and instrumentation. These papers are limited to 13 publication units and will typically include at least one illustrative example application. Please contact journal staff to determine if that journal offers this paper type.

Publication Fees

Publication fees, excess page charges and Open Access fees for each journal
Learn more
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Text requirements

Prepare your paper according to length limits and other guidelines.
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Index terms

Choose the most appropriate index terms for your paper.
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Data policy

Use AGU’s style guide as you prepare new submissions.
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Graphics requirements

Find out how to prepare and submit electronic files for publication.
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Supporting
information

Find out what counts as supporting information and how to submit it.
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Grammar and
style guide

Guidelines for complying with open data standards
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Corrections
policy

Read our policy on erratum or retraction corrections in AGU publications.

English language assistance for international authors

Our publications encourage authors for whom English is not their first language to seek assistance from a colleague who is a native English speaker to ensure that their paper is sufficiently understood by the reviewers and readers. Authors can select from any number of available service providers to improve the language quality of their submission.

In an effort to assist potential authors who are not native English speakers, we have partnered with American Journal Experts (AJE) to provide English language editing, translation, and illustration services. AJE has helped over 500,000 researchers around the world to present their research in polished English suitable for publication in journals such as those published by AGU. Our members receive a 20% discount on all AJE services. Please note that the use of these services does not guarantee acceptance in an AGU publication.

International authors

Chinese and Japanese language resources for authors

Chinese and Japanese

Promote your work 

Sharing your work is an important part of the research process, which is why AGU has developed several resources to help you get the word out. 
Get Started

Overview

AGU's award-winning journals are widely respected because of the rigorous peer review by referees who volunteer their time, insight, and knowledge to improve the work of their colleagues and peers. Their contributions add value to the scientific enterprise and strengthen the quality of the research. If you are interested in joining the AGU pool of reviewers for a backstage pass to some of the most cutting-edge research in Earth and space science, please send your contact information, journal preference, and areas of expertise to [email protected].

Guidelines for reviewers

Our peer review process is managed in the Geophysical Electronic Manuscript Submission system (GEMS). You will receive an email with a link requesting a review. New reviewers will need to update their profile in the GEMS system (this is separate from your profile on AGU.org).

The most helpful peer reviews summarize the main contribution of the paper, its appropriateness for the journal and any major revisions required. Minor suggestions or edits are best listed separately. If you prefer, you can upload a file with your review and/or an annotated manuscript. You may also take advantage of the online manuscript annotation tool hypothes.is.

It is important to meet the review deadline but if you are unable, contact the journal staff immediately. Extensions are granted at the editor’s discretion. Please submit your review online using the link provided in the emails.

Final decisions on acceptance or rejection are made by the editors. You will be informed promptly of the final decision.

When you log into GEMS, the manuscript you have agreed to review will be under Reviewer Tasks and marked with a red arrow. After clicking the link, you will be presented with reviewer instructions, manuscript details and files, and a review form.

You can change your profile and/or update areas of expertise by selecting Modify Profile/Password, under General Tasks, at the bottom of your GEMS home page

We will add your review service to your ORCID profile with your permission. Simply register for an ORCID and/or link it to your GEMS profile. We also recognize reviewers throughout the year with awards and service subscriptions.

Guidelines for reviewers
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Review criteria for Geophysical Research Letters

GRL asks reviewers to evaluate both scientific content and presentation quality to meet GRL standards
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Quick Guide to Writing a Solid Peer Review

Download a PDF of our guide on the peer review process and how to write a quality review.
Review Criteria

Review criteria

Review criteria for all AGU journals includes questions on research significance, methods, data and its availability, appropriate referencing, presentation, and key points.

Editor Searches

Help shape the scientific quality of research published in your field

AGU seeks dynamic, well-organized scientists with high editorial standards and strong leadership skills to serve as Editors of journals. The editorial term is 3 or 4 years depending on the journal. Applicants should be respected leaders in the community, independent-minded, even-handed, and able to make tough but fair decisions in timely manner. More detailed information on an Editor’s role and responsibilities and guidelines, as well as desirable characteristics, is available. A Search Committee appointed by the Council Leadership Team evaluates candidates and conducts personal interviews with a small number of highly qualified individuals. The Council Leadership Team makes the final selection and appointment.

Are you qualified and interested in becoming an Editor? Know someone who is?

You are invited to submit your curriculum vitae with a letter of interest to the Editor Search Committee for your journal of choice. To nominate someone who is qualified, send a letter of recommendation to [email protected].

Current searches

There are no current searches

Editor roles

Editors decide which papers meet the criteria for scientific excellence and relevance for the community the journal serves; seek out exciting new areas for publication; identify and solicit thought-provoking and controversial papers; and assure that all submitted manuscripts receive prompt, critical evaluation, and meet or better timeliness goals.

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Editors in chief 

Editors in chief serve as primary custodians of AGU journals and are expected to interpret the scope of the journal broadly. They are the faces of the journals, plan their strategies and directions, and advocate for them at meetings. Editors in chief must meet annually to discuss overall AGU publications strategy, new developments, and forthcoming opportunities.

We seek dynamic scientists who possess high editorial standards and strong leadership skills to serve as editors of our journals. The editorial term is three or four years, depending on the journal. Applicants should be respected leaders in their field. Our ideal candidates are well organized, prompt, and able to make tough but fair decisions.

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Editor in chief qualifications and benefits

A search committee appointed by the Council Leadership Team evaluates candidates and conducts personal interviews with a small number of highly qualified individuals. The Council Leadership Team makes the final selection and appointment. Applicants to editor in chief positions should demonstrate the following qualities.

  • 1
    Scientific breadth in the area of interest
  • 2
    Expertise in the evolving or competitive areas of the journal
  • 3
    Editorial experience
  • 4
    High standards in research and publication
  • 5
    Strong organization skills and ability to meet commitments
  • 6
    Managerial strength and ability to make difficult decisions

Journal editors 

The journal editor's role is to manage the peer-review process, assess the quality and novelty of the science presented, and identify or solicit thought-provoking papers. Editors make decisions on the submissions based on their own reading, reviews, and associate editor recommendations. Editorships are appointed by the journal's editor in chief for four-year terms. Editors are provided an honorarium and a budget to cover editorial office expenses. AGU does not expect institutions to assume additional costs because a faculty or staff member takes on an AGU editorship. Editorial support is provided at AGU headquarters. 

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Associate editors

Associate editors, if used by the journal, support AGU's rigorous peer review by evaluating a manuscript's merit and suitability for peer review, identifying qualified reviewers, assessing the reviews, and making recommendations to the editor. Associate editors apply their expertise to maintain high scientific and ethical standards, and inform journal editors of concerns. They are invited by the editors in chief and typical serve a four-year term.

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Guest editors 

To support AGU's rich tradition of aggregating leading research on a wide range of Earth and space science topics, guest editors are often recruited to serve as peer review advisors for special collections. This role has become more prominent as these collections increasingly highlight converging and interdisciplinary science. Similar to the associate editor, guest editors are invited to identify qualified referees to evaluate submissions, assess those evaluations, and make timely and informed recommendations to the journal editors. Guest editor terms are usually aligned with the launch and closure of a specific collection for which they have been recruited.

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Recent features of AGU publications

Journal articles, special collections, and new books are featured across various websites, blogs, and via social media. The latest features are listed below; subscribe to our RSS feeds to keep updated.

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rssIcon Research Spotlights

rssIcon Editors' Vox

rssIcon Editors' Highlights

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Press releases

AGU's Public Information Office regularly publishes press releases about research published in our journals.
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Social media

Our publications are often featured across AGU's social media channels.
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Commentaries

Short pieces in our journals that reflect on developments in different fields.
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Highlights by journal

The “Highlights” tab on each journal’s home page lists all the features about articles and special collections.