ES 331/767 Abstract Instructions

PREPARING AN ABSTRACT FOR CLASS REPORTS

J.S. ABER, Earth Science Department, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801. Current date.

Each student shall prepare an abstract, similar to this example, for course reports and presentations. An abstract is a condensed summary of the main topics covered in the presentation. The abstract should review the purpose, methods, data, analysis, and conclusions concerning the subject. A typical abstract is about one-half page in length. Good writing is expected with correct grammar and spelling. Choose a simple title, and avoid using jargon, contractions, abbreviations or acronyms.

The report should be accompanied by a short list of references, including Web-site URLs, which represent the primary sources of information. Give references in standard scientific style as shown by the examples below. You may want to include a few illustrations, such as maps, charts, or summary diagrams. These should be neat and legible with appropriate captions. Do not give tables of data.

Reference Examples

Aber, J.S. 1992. Chert gravel, drainage development, and sinkholes in the Walnut basin, south-central Kansas. Kansas Academy Science, Transactions 95:109-121.
Lidmar-Bergström, K., Elvhage, C. and Ringberg, B. 1991. Landforms in Skåne, South Sweden. Geografiska Annaler 73:61-91.
NASA Johnson Space Center, Imagery Services, World Wide Web homepage URL: http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/
Richards, K. 1982. Rivers form and process in alluvial channels. Methuen, London, 361 p.
Watson, J.P. 1991. A visual interpretation of a Landsat mosaic of the Okavango Delta and surrounding area. Remote Sensing Environment 35:1-9.