Answering the "what" and the "how" in science

Empirical investigation of surface phenomenon is a common departure point for science. The "What is going?" question is best answered at the bench or in the field.

On the often-neglected flipside is the search for the mechanism underlying that surface phenomenon. The "Why does that happen?" question is best answered at the whiteboard, fueled by coffee, or on the back of an envelope, fueled by other adult beverages.

Both are the work of science. The former is the long work. The later is the hard work.