ChatGPT in Hydrology and Earth Sciences: Opportunities, Prospects, and Concerns

The emergence of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, has garnered significant attention, particularly in academic and scientific circles. Researchers, scientists, and instructors hold varying perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT for research and teaching purpo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water resources research Vol. 59; no. 10
Main Authors: Foroumandi, Ehsan, Moradkhani, Hamid, Sanchez‐Vila, Xavier, Singha, Kamini, Castelletti, Andrea, Destouni, Georgia
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Washington John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.10.2023
Wiley
Subjects:
Artificial intelligence
Chatbots
Earth science
Earth sciences
Hydrology
Large language models
Regulations
Scientists
ISSN:0043-1397, 1944-7973, 1944-7973
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The emergence of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, has garnered significant attention, particularly in academic and scientific circles. Researchers, scientists, and instructors hold varying perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT for research and teaching purposes. ChatGPT will be used by many scientists going forward for creating content and driving scientific progress. This commentary offers a brief explanation of the fundamental principles behind ChatGPT and how it can be applied in the fields of hydrology and other Earth sciences. The article examines the primary applications of this open artificial intelligence tool within these fields, specifically its ability to assist with writing and coding tasks, and highlights both the advantages and concerns associated with using such a model. Moreover, the study brings up some other limitations of the model, and the dangers of potential miss‐uses. Finally, we suggest that the academic community adapts its regulations and policies to harness the potential benefits of LLMs while mitigating its pitfalls, including establishing a structure for utilizing LLMs and presenting clear regulations for their implementation. We also outline some specific steps on how to accomplish this structure. Key Points Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, are new technological tools that might fundamentally change academia ChatGPT can assist in academic writing but should not be relied on as the only source of information in hydrology and Earth Science studies Authors should exhibit transparency in their utilization of LLMs and uphold ethical responsibility
Bibliography:SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0043-1397
1944-7973
1944-7973
DOI:10.1029/2023WR036288