Living organisms—plants, microbes, fungi, animals and people—form the basis of a multitude of ecosystems, and these ecosystems considerably influence the exchanges of energy, water, carbon, nitrogen and other elements within and between the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere (e.g. oceans, rivers and lakes), cryosphere (e.g. permafrost, snow and ice) and lithosphere (e.g. soils, mountains and seabed).

Our ability to deliver credible, model-based predictions and insights is supported by our research that advances the collection, analyses and application of observations. As new sources of information from satellites, field campaigns and next-generation observational networks become available, we develop our models with greater detail and conduct more extensive evaluations to improve their fidelity.

Through numerical experimentation with these ecosystem models, we can provide more reliable predictions of the natural system’s response (e.g. trace-gas sink or source) and resiliency (e.g. in response to shifts in extreme events) to a changing world.

To learn how your organization can benefit from funding our research, please visit the Joint Program Sponsorship page.