GEOMORPHICA: LAUNCHING A NEW DIAMOND OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL IN GEOMORPHOLOGY

In recent years, the traditional scientific publication system which is premised on subscriptions for readers has been challenged. Open access journals have been launched, and many subscription journals offer options for open access publication. Open access is an essential approach for lowering barriers in science, supporting equal access to information, and providing the newest findings and data to a large and diverse audience. However, common open access options come with Article Processing Charges, which can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, to publish a paper. In contrast to the idea of inclusivity that is encouraged by the open access process, these charges create exclusivity in terms of publishing possibilities, limiting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In the last three years, an initiative has grown in the geoscientific community to create diamond open access journals, which are free to access, free to read, and free to publish, for all. Volcanica, Seismica, Tektonika, and Sedimentologika have each launched their own community-led, field-specific journals. One key component of these initiatives is that they embrace the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion, which underlay and guide their every aspect. Here, we discuss the upcoming launch of a geomorphology diamond open access journal—Geomorphica—grounded in EDI principles.

We seek input from all sectors of the geoscientific community to help us continually improve the initiative. Our organizational structure comprises six commissions—format, website, communications, inclusivity, ethics, and editorial—and a steering committee formed of the chairs of each commission. We are currently recruiting volunteers for each of these commissions and would welcome feedback, comments, ideas, and a stimulating discussion, as we plan to open a call for manuscript submissions in early 2023.