How critical zone observatory helps in critical zone formation?
Answers
Observations have always informed critical decisions and knowledge building throughout human history. Earth observations are a critical ingredient for understanding and predicting the sustainability or disruption of natural services that support basic human needs including water, food, energy, mineral resources, and safe habitation. Such observations are collected by seismic networks, atmospheric and ocean-based sensors (detecting, e.g., ozone, greenhouse gases, ocean currents, sea ice extent), river and tide gauges, and satellites that observe changing terrestrial features including receding glaciers, growth of deserts and urban centers, and evolving vegetative covers.
Answer:
Scientists at NSF's network of nine Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs) are addressing questions about the thin veneer of Earth's surface that extends from the top of the tree canopy to the base of weathered bedrock. The zone is critical because it's where fresh water flows, soil is formed and life flourishes.