Earth System Science
Measuring, understanding and modelling the functioning of our planet's surface, also called the Critical Zone.
The Earth System theme focuses on understanding the interactions between the outer layers of our planet (lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere) and by extension the celestial bodies of the solar system. These environments, where living organisms, air, water and rocks interact, are the site of chemical transformations, biological reactions and fluxes of energy and matter. They play a major environmental role in the evolution of surfaces, especially the Critical Zone, defined as the outermost layer of our planet extending from the base of aquifers to the top of the atmospheric boundary layer. By concentrating most human activities, the Critical Zone is subject to rapid and profound changes affecting living organisms and their environment.
