Research field Earth and Environment in the funding period 2009–2013

In order to address overarching research topics and create methodological and organisational synergies, interdisciplinary cross-programme initiatives such as REKLIM (AWI, Forschungszentrum Jülich, KIT, GFZ, HZG, HMGU, UFZ), the Integrated Earth Observation System (EOS Network: AWI, GFZ, HZG, KIT, Forschungszentrum Jülich, German Aerospace Center) and Sustainable Bioeconomy (Forschungszentrum Jülich, GFZ, HMGU, KIT, UFZ) are being expanded.

Another important task is the joint establishment and operation of cross-programme facilities and infrastructure, such as the HALO research aircraft and the Terrestrial Environmental Observatories (TERENO). This latter project involves the establishment of a network of terrestrial observatories in four representative German regions. A complementary approach is being taken in the COSYNA project, which will create a long-term observation system for the German North Sea and later extend it to Arctic coastal waters. The research programmes being pursued in this field are:

• Geosystem: The Changing Earth
• Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems
• Atmosphere and Climate
• Terrestrial Environment

Programmes

Geosystem: The Changing Earth

This programme is focused on analyses of the physical and chemical processes in the Earth system, on the interaction between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere, and on the effects of this interaction on the human habitat. The programme’s mission is to observe, explore and model the relevant geoprocesses in order to understand the state of the geosystem and to recognise the trends transforming it.

Its work is based on global geophysical and geodetic observation infrastructure, regional Earth system observatories, near- Earth satellites, airborne recording systems, mobile instrument arrays, drilling rigs and analytical and experimental infrastructure. All these instruments form an observation system that is integrated into national and international collaborations. In addition to researching the Earth’s magnetic and gravitational fields, the programme examines natural resources and the cycle of materials, climate variability and the impact of the climate on the human habitat. Preventive strategies for natural disasters and the use of underground space (e.g., to store carbon dioxide) are additional priorities. With all these themes, the programme is contributing to the three fields of inquiry “Earth System Dynamics and Risks”, “Climate Variability and Climate Change” and “Sustainable Use of Resources”.

Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems

The goal of this research programme is to monitor current changes in the oceans, polar systems and coastal regions and, in particular, to evaluate them in light of changes in the past. In the research on coastal regions, special attention is being devoted to distinguishing between direct human influence and climate variability. One project launched in this area has involved the establishment of a comprehensive observation system in the German Bight (COSYNA). Research into the polar regions focuses in particular on the processes and interactions affecting and governing global climate.

A deeper understanding of paleoenvironmental records – in combination with process studies – will allow us to draw more accurate conclusions about possible future developments. Researchers are developing a model system for medium-term developments that will encompass the cryosphere, the oceans, the marine biosphere and the Earth’s chemosphere. This model will represent biodiversity and flows of energy and materials on different spatial and temporal scales.

Research that seeks to distinguish between climatic fluctuations and human influences in a complex overarching system will provide a scientific foundation for decisionmaking processes and support the formation of political and social opinion. In order to achieve the targeted goals, it is crucial that mathematical system models be combined with modern research infrastructure such as measuring stations, ships, aircraft and polar stations.

Atmosphere and Climate

This programme deals with the role that the atmosphere plays in the climate system and the processes that have a key impact on climate change, natural disasters, air quality and hence the quality of life on earth. In this area scientists are examining the properties of the stratosphere, troposphere and biosphere and their complex interactions in the processes of global change. Research focuses include the study of the water cycle and the biochemical cycles of environmentally relevant trace gases and aerosols.

Analyses are based on data collected from long-term aircraft and satellite measurements, ground-based stations, large simulation chambers (including AIDA and SAPHIR) and numerical modelling (transport and climate models, etc.).

These numerical models are constantly being optimised in order to quantify the ecological and socioeconomic consequences of climate change and to acquire knowledge to protect against negative impacts. The regional level is a special focus. The new HALO research aircraft will also play an important role once it begins its missions with the support and participation of the programme’s researchers.

The Terrestrial Environment

The goal of the Terrestrial Environment Programme is to preserve the foundations of human life and to develop options for the sustainable use of resources. In this respect, the programme is closely linked to climate change research: since climate change cannot be stopped by the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions alone, we need to develop additional strategies to adapt our ecosystems and reduce their vulnerability.

To this end, researchers are designing new technical solutions in the fields of agrotechnology, biotechnology, energy technology, and environmental technology. They are studying conflicts between food production, bioenergy generation and nature conservation and developing strategies to allow regions to adapt to global change. An additional priority is the analysis of the mechanisms governing the growth of microbes and plants with the goal of achieving sustainable biomass production.

In the field of water resource systems, a new eco-technological approach is being conceptualised in order to protect high-quality water and ensure it is available in sufficient quantities. A more thorough understanding of the processes of groundwater systems and the analysis of the vulnerability of groundwater reserves and their natural self-cleaning capacity will enable us to better assess the consequences of groundwater degradation for humans and the ecosystem.

In the field of sustainable chemical use, in-depth knowledge of the fate of chemicals in the environment is offering new potential for the development of lower-risk substances and problem-specific remediation strategies for large contaminated sites. The Terrestrial Environment Programme has supplemented this research with a technological and methodological platform for the observation, integrated analysis and assessment of terrestrial systems. Finally, an important role is being played by innovative measuring and monitoring concepts, integrated modelling approaches, and the examination of methodological questions relating to upscaling at long-term observation sites such those in the TERENO network.

Outlook

To effectively meet the abovementioned challenges in the future, the research field Earth and Environment research at the Helmholtz Association will continue to draw on the capacities of the participating centres in order to study integrated and integrative topics within a shared research portfolio. This process will create new alliances and expand technological competencies regarding Earth observation and knowledge systems and integrated approaches to modelling.