USESO
The United States Earth Science Olympiad (USESO) is a national competition designed to identify high-achieving students in the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and terrestrial astronomy. Organized by the U.S. Earth Science Organization, the program emphasizes an "Earth systems" approach, challenging students to understand the complex interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
Participants begin by taking the National Open Exam, a rigorous, proctored test that combines multiple-choice and multipart problem-solving. Based on these results, approximately 40 students are invited to a residential Training Camp (typically held at a university like the University of Tulsa), where they engage in field studies, data analysis, and laboratory work. From this group, eight students are selected to represent the United States at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO).
