"Geoscientists view Planet Earth from core to upper atmosphere in terms of global systems, and the economic, environmental and intellectual needs to undertake geoscience studies on a global scale are steadily increasing. Thus, to contribute effectively to research and education in the Earth sciences, a major public university must have a substantive program that treats the earth as a planet. Such a program should investigate not only the continents, but also the continental margins, the oceans and the Polar Regions, since the latter, when taken together, cover three-quarters of the surface of the globe."

"Investigations of these diverse regions, including the study of the deep earth structure beneath them, are vital to understanding the tectonic development and resources of our planet. Furthermore, Texas, with its historical association with the energy industry, with its large and economically important continental shelf and slope, and with its direct access to the world's ocean through the Gulf of Mexico, is a natural location for a research organization with a global scope, including a strong effort in marine geophysics and marine geology."