The Geosystem Programme: the Changing Earth

The analysis of the physical and chemical processes within the earth’s systems and interaction between geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere and their impact on the human habitat lie at the heart of this programme. Its mission is to observe, explore and model the relevant geoprocesses to assess the state of the Geosystem and recognise changes and trends. Global geophysical and geodetic observation infrastructures, regional Earth System Observatories, near-earth satellites, airborne recording systems, mobile instrument arrays and drilling rigs plus an analytical and experimental infrastructure provide the instrumental backbone.

These are combined into one observation system and integrated into national and international collaborations. The programme focuses on the earth’s magnetic and gravity fields, its natural resources and material cycles, climate variability and climate impact on the human habitat. It furthermore addresses applied aspects such as preventive strategies for natural disasters or using subterranean space to store carbon dioxide. These core areas contribute to the three topic fields of the programme “Earth System Dynamics and Risks”, “Climate Variability and Climate Change” as well as “Sustainable Use of Resources”.