The climate can be viewed as a complex interacting set of components including the oceans, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Within the ESSC, we are engaged in studies that aim to understand both these individual components, and the interactions between them.
scientists from this group won the Nobel Peace Prize w/VP Al Gore;
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shares the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, involves several Penn State earth scientists as members of the core Working Groups, authors or expert reviewers.
Earth system science embraces chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and applied sciences in transcending disciplinary boundaries to treat the Earth as an integrated system and seeks a deeper understanding of the physical, chemical, biological and human interactions that determine the past, current and future states of the Earth. Earth system science provides a physical basis for understanding the world in which we live and upon which humankind seeks to achieve sustainability.
Simplified Bretherton Diagram; NASA approach to Earth System Science
"Since about 1980, an important paradigm has emerged in the geosciences, analogous to the plate tectonics revolution of the 1950s and 1960s. This paradigm, called "Earth System Science" or simply "Earth System," acknowledges that changes in the solid earth (land - lithosphere or geosphere) result from interactions among the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water, including oceans, rivers, ice), biosphere (life) and the lithosphere...."
"In 1996, the National Science Foundation, in concert with the National Research Council (NRC), conducted a comprehensive review of undergraduate SME&T education. Its findings, released as a report from the Advisory Committee to the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, set forth new expectations for science educators: ..."
The Department of Earth System Science focuses on the atmosphere, land and oceans - how they interact as a system - and how the Earth will change over a human lifetime.
Google search term, Earth System Science, resulting in these images
ESSEA, important partner in Earth System Science teaching and learning
In the phrase "Earth system science (ESS)," the key term is "system." A system is a collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined boundary. Within the boundary of the earth is a collection of four interdependent parts called "spheres." Earth's spheres include:
The ESSP is a partnership for the integrated study of the Earth System, the ways that it is changing, and the implications for global and regional sustainability.
"Sponsored by NASA through the Universities Space Research Association, ESSE 21 is a collaborative undergraduate/graduate education program offering small grants to colleges and universities to engage a diverse interdisciplinary community of faculty and scientists in the development of courses, curricula and degree programs and sharing of learning resources focused on the fundamental understanding and application of Earth system principles for the classroom and laboratory."\n\nthe grant program appears to have ended, but the products are available for use
These articles describe research uses of Earth observing data from NASA Earth science data centers. They are published both in annual print publications and online. While supplies last, you may order a print publication at no charge.
The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) manages and distributes data products through the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs). The centers process, archive, document, and distribute data from NASA's past and current research satellites and field programs.
"...goal of ESSIC is to enhance our understanding of how the atmosphere, ocean, land, and biosphere components of the Earth interact as a coupled system and the influence of human activities on this system. This is accomplished via studies of the interaction between the physical climate system..."
interactive simulations
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A comprehensive look at Earth Science, where the entire Earth from core to outer limits of the atmosphere play a role in the entire system of our planetary existence.
Updated on Jun 18, 13
Created on Nov 27, 08
Category: Science
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