The Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) program develops unique, foundational scientific insights about the terrestrial biosphere’s role in the global cycling of carbon, nutrients, and water.
A significant fraction of the CO2 released to the atmosphere during energy production is taken up by terrestrial ecosystems. This “sink” for anthropogenic carbon represents an important buffer, offsetting the greenhouse gas effects of CO2 emissions. However, the effects of related processes such as nutrient, water, and energy cycling, in addition to climate variability and change on that uptake remain a mystery. Uncertainties about how terrestrial ecosystems will function in a changing climate hamper efforts to determine long-term impacts and stability of carbon in the biosphere. This limitation makes resolving the role of the terrestrial biosphere in the global carbon cycle a high priority.
Future climatic changes will almost certainly affect critically sensitive ecosystems and their inherently important ecosystem processes. Understanding the foundational properties of these ecosystem processes is essential if we are to improve our ability to predictively model terrestrial ecosystems and potential forcing feedbacks. TES research will continue to navigate the forefront of interactions between terrestrial ecosystems and a changing climate.
The TES program supports mission-oriented research performed by
Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Projects 2019
Environmental System Science Projects 2018
Environmental System Science Projects 2016
Environmental System Science Projects 2015
2014 Interagency Solicitation for Carbon Cycle Science: NASA Research Opportunity in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES)
Collaborative Research in Support of GOAmazon Campaign 2013
Terrestrial Ecosystem Science 2013
Terrestrial Ecosystem Science 2012
Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Carbon Cycle Research 2011 and 2010
"Building a Culture of Safety and Trust in Team Science" Eos article by BER grantee [5/20]
FACE report coming soon. Check back in June. Overview [5/20]
ESS PI Meeting Postponed. ESS Virtual All-Hands Meeting Planned. Details [4/20]
BER CESD Changes Name
Becomes Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division [4/20]
New Program Manager
BER welcomes Xujing Davis [4/20]
New Program Manager
BER welcomes Jennifer Arrigo [3/20]
Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program 2020 Solicitation 1
Now accepting applications. Pre-Application Due: May 6, 2020, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. [2/20]
Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program 2020 Solicitation 1
Now accepting applications. Pre-Application Due: May 6, 2020, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. [2/20]
Submit Research Highlight
The Terrestrial Ecosystem Science program is sponsored by the Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. (BER Program Overview PDF)
BER Research Highlights
BER Advisory Committee (BERAC)
EESSD 2018 Strategic Plan (PDF)
DOE Office of Science Statement on Digital Data Management (2014)
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