WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Kevin Krajick, a freeelance science writer, has been named the winner of the 1998 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism. The award is presented annually by the American Geophysical Union for one published work that informs the general public about research in the geophysical sciences. It is named for the great science writer of The New York Times.
Krajick's winning entry was "The Crystal Fuel," published in the May 1997 issue of Natural History. Editor Bruce Stutz noted in his introductory column to that issue that, aside from earthquakes and volcanoes, "rocks don't usually get great press," but Krajick's article on the ongoing investigations into gas hydrates reported real news. It was only recently that the methane hydrate crystal was discovered to exist--mostly under the seabed--in large quantities. Krajick reported that, in fact, the energy contained in these crystals might be twice that of Earth's entire coal, oil, and gas reserves combined. He discussed the various effects, both good and ill, that release of the "crystal fuel" could cause.
Sean C. Solomon, President of AGU, will make the award to Krajick during the Honors Evening at Spring Meeting on May 27 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Editors: The Honors Evening begins with the award ceremony and reception at the Boston Marriott Copley Place at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, May 27, and is open to media representatives registered to attend Spring Meeting. Registration may be done at the Press Room, Room 105 of the Hynes Convention Center, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, May 26-29. The awards banquet follows the reception at 7:30 PM; it is open to the media, but a ticket ($40) must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited.