Earth Systems
Gain a scientific understanding of the Earth’s systems.
Global environmental changes require a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s major systems, the important ways in which these are linked, as well as the impact of human activities on these systems. The major systems are the geosphere (processes of the Earth’s surface and interior), biosphere (life on land and in the sea), atmosphere (weather and climate), hydrosphere (water in the oceans, air, and on the continents), and cryosphere (snow- and ice-covered regions). The goal of Earth systems science is to obtain a scientific understanding of the entire system on a global scale. Recent studies of the continents, oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, and ice cover have revealed a far more complex and dynamic world than hitherto imagined.
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In the spotlight
“Having the opportunity to research dams and sediment in Jon Woodruff’s Sedimentology Lab really let me understand what we do in this lab and learn all the different procedures. It showed me a little bit of what I’m interested in and what I’m not. And I’m still learning every single day.”
In the news
Julie Brigham-Grette Argues that the Cryosphere is "Ground Zero" for Climate Change in New Op-ed
Brigham-Grette and her co-author highlight the importance of the cryosphere (Earth’s ice sheets, sea ice, permafrost, polar oceans, glaciers, and snow).
UMass Hydrogeologists Develop Innovative way to Predict Saltwater Intrusion into Groundwater Using Plymouth, Mass. as Test Case
As coastal lands become more vulnerable to climate change and subsequent saltwater intrusion, UMass is working to generate predictive models.
UMass Amherst Researchers Receive $1.19 Million to Explore Solutions for Managing Cranberry Fruit Rot
UMass researchers received $1.19 million to explore sustainable solutions to address fruit rot & reduce the threat to the cranberry production in Massachusetts