Motivation of synthesis, with an example on groundwater quality sustainability

Abstract

Synthesis of ideas and theories from disparate disciplines is necessary for addressing the major problems faced by society. The best motivation for broad, effective synthesis is the "big idea" that is sufficiently important and inspiring to marshal the appropriate collaborative efforts. Groundwater quality sustainability is posed as an example of one such idea that would potentially unify research efforts in both the sciences and social sciences toward a common, pressing objective. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.