What is Earth System Science?

What is Earth System Science?



Earth system science views the Earth as a synergistic physical system of interrelated phenomena, governed by complex processes involving the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and. biosphere. Fundamental to the Earth system science approach is the need to emphasize relevant interactions of chemical, physical, biological and dynamical processes that extend over spatial scales from microns to the size of planetary orbits, and over time scales of milliseconds to billions of years. In building on the traditional disciplines to study the Earth, the system approach has become widely accepted as a framework from which to pose disciplinary and interdisciplinary questions in relationship to humankind. Earth system science forms the foundation of NASA’s Earth science vision as well as the basis of the NSF geoscience long range planning effort as part of the nation’s global change research objectives.

Within the concept of the Earth as a complex and dynamic entity involving the disciplinary spheres for land, air, water and life, there is no process or phenomenon that occurs in complete isolation from other elements of the system. While this system view is elegant and satisfying philosophically, the challenge to researchers and educators attempting to quantify the breadth of the system’s elements, states and processes within the classroom is enormous. No individual, academic department or university is capable of developing and offering the enormous depth and breadth of knowledge such a paradigm demands. Only by joining faculty from different disciplines within and among universities can the diversity and complexity of Earth system science be fully appreciated.

The challenge for educators to develop and offer courses in the classroom that provide this deeper understanding is demanding. Earth system science seeks to construct an overarching interdisciplinary framework of process and state of the system, and at the same time retain the strength of traditional disciplines for understanding fundamentals and complex interactions. Colleges and universities have been attracted by this holistic approach to studying the Earth and adopt Earth system science as a theme. In developing and offering introductory and advanced courses which are relevant to the broader interests of faculty and students, the challenge is to provide the necessary depth and breadth needed to serve as a foundation for advanced study among majors, and lay the foundations for sustainability and informed stewardship in striving for an Earth-aware society.


Johnson, D.R , Ruzek, M., Kalb, M., “Earth System Science and the Internet”, Computers and Geosciences, Special Issue: The Year 2000 Challenges, v. 26, no. 6, July, 2000 pp 669-676

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