Toward a Unified Science of the Earth's Surface: Opportunities for Synthesis Among Hydrology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, and Ecology

Authors

C. E. Foufoula-Georgiou
W. E. Dietrich
M. Hondzo
D. Mohrig
G. Parker
M. E. Power
I. Rodriguez-Iturbe
V. Voller
P. Wilcock

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Water Resources Research

Volume

42

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Keywords

Unified Science, Earth's Surface, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Ecology

Abstract

The Earth's surface is shaped by the interaction of tectonics, water, sediment, solutes, and biota over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and across diverse environments. Development of a predictive science of Earth surface dynamics integrates many disciplines and approaches, including hydrology, geomorphology, ocean and atmospheric science, sedimentary and structural geology, geochemistry, and ecology. This paper discusses challenges, opportunities, and a few example problems that can serve as pathways toward this integration.

Recommended Citation

Paola, C., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, W. E. Dietrich, M. Hondzo, D. Mohrig, G. Parker, M. E. Power, I. Rodriguez-Iturbe, V. Voller, and P. Wilcock, 2006, Toward a unified science of the Earth's surface: Opportunities for synthesis among hydrology, geomorphology, geochemistry, and ecology, Water Resour. Res., 42, W03S10, doi:10.1029/2005WR004336