The analysis of physical and chemical processes within the Earth System 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 Earth System 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 observation systems have been integrated into national and international collaborations. The programme focuses on 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”, plus “Sustainable Use of Resources”.