GeoVerbiage

As you have no doubt noticed, authors of scientific papers cite other papers--a lot.  Why do we cite other work?  This may seem like an obvious question, but breaking down the citations by their purpose provides some insights that might help guide you through this surprisingly perilous part of scholarship. Here are most of the reasons we cite other papers: (1)  To provide background, history, and context:  We all build on the work of those who have gone before us.  The history leading up to the work you've done is important to readers for understanding the context of the work.  It is also important to acknowledge the work of those who are working on similar topics if their results could augment--or counter--yours. (2)  To give credit where it is due.  Chances are someone before you has come up with at least part of the answer you are seeking.  Acknowledging priority is an important part of what makes a good scientist.  And this should be done both for those who might h

The article in this link has some really excellent advice for how to write a scientific paper.  Most of the advice is directed toward what I called elsewhere "transparency".  In this case, transparency is not revealing everything you know or have done, although that doesn't hurt.  It means writing clearly enough that the reader is not aware of the writing but only of the message.   Such papers are much more enjoyable to read. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-02404-4