The growing importance of the geophysical sciences, and the outstanding success of the International Geophysical Year, have increased the need for suitable means of quick publication of scientific papers in geophysics. It has become increasingly obvious that our bi‐monthlyTransactionscould no longer meet these demands as a prime publication outlet for our science. Accordingly, almost two years ago, wheels were set in motion to provide a medium that would reach the widest appropriate audience, and thus improve the opportunity of geophysicists for prompt publication of their work.During the same period it developed that Merle A. Tuve, Editor of theJournal of Geophysical Research, indicated that he felt that the joining of theJournal of Geophysical Researchand the scientific content of theTransactionswould better serve the scientific communit