Critical Zone Observatories: Platforms for Collaborative Science
Tuesday, December 13, 12:30 - 1:30pm, Moscone West - 3002

See the CZO Town Hall Agenda.

Please join us for a lively discussion on the future direction of CZ science, the CZO Network, and collaboration. 

Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs) are natural laboratories for investigating Earth surface processes. CZO research seeks to understand these coupled processes across all timescales using quantitative models parameterized from observations of meteorological variables, streams, and groundwater, and sampling and analyzing landforms, bedrock, soils, and ecosystems. Teams of cross-disciplinary scientists at nine sites across the United States work to further CZ science using field and theoretical approaches, education and outreach. The U.S. network now includes a national office and funds to develop international collaborations, and currently is working to develop strong ties with other U.S. entities including the LTER network and CUAHSI.

In this town hall the CZO community seeks to engage the greater Earth surface and environmental science community through: 1) a brief update on the recent development of a strategic plan for the U.S. CZO network, and a status report of international CZ science activities; and, 2) a presentation by CZO researcher(s) highlighting important advances that could not have been made without the CZO approach. All scientists interested in problems related to the surface Earth environment are invited.