20 Century 80 Over the past several decades, the world has witnessed a growing frequency of resource, environmental, ecological, and disaster-related issues, posing unprecedented challenges to the sustainable development of human society. Grounded in traditional, single-discipline approaches, Earth system science has emerged through interdisciplinary integration and the application of modern technologies. With its global, unified, holistic, and systemic perspective, as well as its consideration of multiple temporal and spatial scales, Earth system science provides a theoretical foundation for addressing global environmental challenges. The formation and development of Earth system science have had a profound impact on geological survey work in China. As... “ Mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands ” It is imperative to establish the concept of a community of life and implement a unified management system for natural resources, guided by Earth system science theory, in order to promote a strategic restructuring of geological survey work.

Developing Earth system science is a demand of the times.

Driven by the dual demands of human socio-economic development and advances in Earth science, Earth system science has emerged. Originating from the study of the global climate system, Earth system science has undergone... 30 It has rapidly developed over the years and has become a leading force guiding the direction of Earth science development in the new century.

1. Global-scale major environmental issues, the interdisciplinary integration of traditional disciplines, and the advancement of modern information and observational technologies have collectively driven the emergence of Earth system science.

Global environmental problems are primarily caused by humanity’s irrational exploitation and utilization of Earth’s resources. Their impact has already approached or even surpassed that of natural factors in driving environmental change, and is continuing to intensify—potentially leading to irreversible consequences that threaten the survival and development of future generations. This compels us to adopt a global perspective on how the Earth as a whole functions, to understand the natural and anthropogenic mechanisms behind global environmental changes, and to anticipate future trends. Only then can we regulate, control, and adjust human behavior in a way that maximizes the Earth’s environmental conditions in a manner favorable to humanity.

Currently, Earth science has shifted from a stage of disciplinary specialization to a new era characterized by extensive cross-disciplinary integration and mutual penetration, thereby solidifying the foundation for research on Earth system science. At the same time, advances in modern information and observational technologies have opened up new avenues for Earth system science research. The development of Earth observation—particularly satellite remote sensing technology—has enabled long-term, three-dimensional monitoring of the behavior of the entire Earth system; and advances in computer technology have provided the tools necessary for developing sophisticated mathematical models of complex Earth systems.

2. Serving sustainable development, Earth system science is increasingly becoming the fundamental framework for international geoscience development.

Earth system science originated in the study of the global climate system. 1988 Year NASA “ Earth System Science Committee ” The monograph “Earth System Science” has been published, formally and systematically presenting the perspectives of the Earth system and Earth system science. From... 20 Since the end of the century, international organizations in the geosciences and relevant institutions from around the world have consistently chosen a strategic approach centered on Earth system science when formulating their geoscience development strategies. 2011 In the year, the International Council of Science and the International Social Science Council launched... “ Future Earth Initiative ” ( 2014–2023 ), conduct research on sustainable solutions to environmental changes.

How to Conduct Research on Earth System Science

1. The Essence of Earth System Science

Through decades of development, a consensus has emerged regarding the concept of Earth system science: Earth system science views the Earth as a unified system composed of interacting components—including the core, mantle, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and planetary system—and focuses on studying the interactions among these various components. It seeks to explain Earth’s dynamics, Earth’s evolution, the human-Earth relationship, and global change. Its ultimate goal is to understand the past, present, and future behavior of the entire Earth system. Compared with traditional disciplines, Earth system science incorporates a holistic perspective, an evolutionary perspective, and a planetary perspective. - Core concepts such as the global perspective, the perspective of interaction, the perspective of complexity, and the perspective of interdisciplinary integration and unification.

2. Main research areas of Earth system science

Under the dynamic framework of the Earth system, describe and understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the key interactions controlling the Earth system; describe and understand the life-supporting systems. —— The inanimate Earth environment; describing and understanding major global changes induced by human activities. These primarily include: interactions within the Sun-Earth system, changes in the climate system, multi-sphere interactions and their impact on surface natural resource environments, deep Earth processes and the formation of fossil fuels and mineral resources, oceanic processes and their resource, environmental, and climatic effects, as well as human-Earth system interactions and sustainable development.

3. Earth System Science Research Methods

Earth system science has developed a comprehensive technological framework comprising three key components: investigation and assessment, observation and detection, and modeling and prediction. These three elements together constitute the technological backbone of Earth system science research, complementing each other, advancing in a cyclical manner, and mutually reinforcing one another.

Impact, taking the U.S. Geological Survey as an example

The formation and development of Earth system science have had a profound impact on geological survey work. 20 Century 90 Over the past several decades, geological survey agencies in developed countries have released a series of strategic development reports. A common thread running through these reports is the recognition that meeting societal needs has become the primary driving force behind the development of Earth sciences, as well as the acknowledgment of the importance of advancing Earth system science. Guided by the theory of Earth system science, in recent years, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) ... USGS ) Continuously reforming and improving its business and organizational structures, it has now developed into a geological survey field encompassing core scientific systems, climate and land-use change, natural disasters, environmental health, energy and mineral resources, water resources, ecosystems, and more. Earth system science plays a crucial role in... USGS The impact is reflected in the following aspects.

1. The business structure has shifted from being traditionally discipline-oriented to being major-issue-oriented, with a stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and cross-domain collaboration.

21 At the beginning of the century, USGS Guided by Earth system science theory, adjust the business structure and layout with a focus on addressing major challenges. USGS Yu 2007 Released the report "Facing Tomorrow's Challenges" this year. —— United States Geological Survey 2007 ~ 2017 The “National Science Strategy” explicitly states that major challenges facing the United States—such as natural disasters, water security, energy resource demands, disease control, and climate change—are interconnected and interwoven, necessitating the promotion of interdisciplinary integration and cross-sectoral collaboration. Based on these critical strategic issues, USGS At 2010 The company made significant adjustments to its business structure and layout this year, establishing... 7 One Tier-1 budget item: Ecosystems, Climate and Land-Use Change, Energy and Mineral Resources, Environmental Health, Natural Disasters, Water, and the Core Science System—aimed at addressing the complex challenges facing society.

To strengthen the integration of different fields, 2017 Year USGS Proposed development “ Integrated Science ” The concept involves organizing data, methods, and models within a corresponding spatiotemporal framework to create a modular integrated system that provides comprehensive support for natural resource management, environmental protection, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Based on this, in... 2019 In the fiscal year budget proposal, USGS A proposal has been put forward to adjust the organizational structure, suggesting the creation of deputy director positions responsible for integration and coordination across various fields, thereby promoting cross-disciplinary convergence.

2. Break down traditional disciplinary barriers and reorganize the institution according to major issues and matrix management.

As the business structure is adjusted, USGS The organizational structure has also been adjusted accordingly.

21 At the beginning of the century, as issues such as resources, environment, ecology, and disasters became increasingly complex, the shortcomings of the internal organizational structure and management model based on traditional disciplinary divisions became increasingly apparent. Because research in these conventional disciplines enjoys low public awareness and their role in addressing major challenges remains unclear, this has directly led to cuts in research funding.

2010 Year, USGS Internal organizational structures have been adjusted by abolishing the business management units previously organized according to traditional disciplines and establishing new business management units focused on major strategic issues. Specifically, the former Departments of Geology, Biology, Geography, and Geospatial Information have been abolished, while the Department of Water Resources has been retained. New departments have been established, including the Department of Ecosystems, the Department of Climate and Land-Use Change, the Department of Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health, the Department of Natural Disasters, and the Department of Core Scientific Systems. 5 a business management agency. Correspondingly, the original [something] has been abolished. 5 One position for discipline director (Biology, Geography, Geology, Geospatial Information, and Water) has been newly added. 7 Deputy directors in charge of different scientific missions, who report directly to... USGS The bureau chief reports on the work. From this, it can be seen that... USGS The adjustment of strategic directions and internal organizational structures fully reflects the philosophy of Earth system science and the orientation of providing service support for natural resource management.

To promote interdisciplinary integration and cross-disciplinary collaboration, USGS Try to promote the matrix management model. First, the original [system/process] has been abolished. 3 First, the positions of Regional Directors (for the Eastern, Central, and Western regions) have been established. Second, the authority previously held by Regional Directors has been enhanced: with the abolition of the Regional Director positions, these directors no longer need to report to the Regional Directors but instead report directly to the Deputy Director in charge of daily operations at the U.S. Geological Survey. Third, all administrative management policies, service functions, and human resource responsibilities that were previously handled at the regional level have now been consolidated at the bureau level, with the Deputy Director responsible for administrative management taking charge of these functions. The revised management framework of the U.S. Geological Survey now exhibits clear matrix-like characteristics.

3. Implement major initiatives such as the Earth Critical Zone, Big Data, Integrated Science, and Digital Earth to promote the practical application and deep-rooted integration of Earth system science concepts.

First, we should highlight the Earth’s Critical Zone—the interdisciplinary convergence of geology, geography, hydrology, biology, and other fields—to tackle increasingly complex issues. By focusing on the Critical Zone as our primary research object and building upon the foundations of geology, geography, hydrology, and biology, we can leverage information science and computational technologies to integrate and synthesize data, thereby fostering the development of cross-disciplinary and integrated sciences. The Earth’s Critical Zone refers to the permeable zone near the Earth’s surface that lies between the atmosphere and the lithosphere. Vertically, it extends from the treetops down to deep groundwater levels. It is the layer most profoundly affected by human activities and environmental disturbances. The Critical Zone governs soil formation, water quality and flow, and chemical cycles, and it influences the genesis and evolution of energy and mineral resources. USGS We will continue to closely monitor the complex processes and interactions within the critical zone, and collect, manage, integrate, and analyze relevant data to promote a comprehensive understanding and description of complex Earth systems. Using critical zone theory, we will conduct integrated surveys and assessments in coastal zones, river basins, deltas, and densely populated areas.

Second, leveraging the extensive data from geological, geographical, and biological surveys, we will advance... “ Big Data ” Technology- and data-intensive research. Scientific data is... USGS Its blood provides sustenance for its scientific research and also supports Earth system science. USGS Data-intensive research activities include: 3 At the level of individual components: First, data acquisition and preservation—using geological, geographical, and biological methods to monitor, evaluate, and study critical zone ecosystems in order to obtain data. Second, data processing—including data mining and data analysis—where data analysis and synthesis are handled by the Data Integration Group, which further comprises: 3D/4D groups such as the Modeling and Visualization Working Group, the Public Science Working Group, the Data Management Working Group, the Knowledge Management Working Group, and the Semantic Web Working Group; third, at the knowledge level, scientists leveraged their own expertise to deepen their understanding of Earth systems and promote— USGS Earth system science research work.

Third, strengthen the integration of scientific research and promote innovation in Earth system science theory. USGS One of the core scientific system’s objectives is to develop a brand-new modular framework for Earth system science, integrating data, knowledge, and resources related to geological contexts both inside and outside the agency, as well as soil, land surface, water, vegetation, and the atmosphere, thereby strengthening interdisciplinary integration and convergence. 2017 Year, USGS In its newly released “Integrated Science Report,” the document builds upon the concept of a modular scientific framework within the core scientific system, continuing the approach of multidisciplinary integration. Specifically, it divides research into modules based on the natural hierarchical structure of ecosystems and in alignment with the distinct research objects of various disciplines. These modules are interconnected through logical relationships and are studied as an integrated whole. The report emphasizes the need for transformative integration of existing technologies, data, knowledge, and models.

Fourth, establish a Digital Earth to promote information services and applications in Earth system science. USGS By consolidating survey data on various categories of natural resources into a single platform according to the natural zoning of natural ecosystems, we can organize data, information, processes, models, and interactions among multiple categories of natural resources, thereby creating a virtual... “ Digital Earth ” Putting the concept of Earth system science into practice. “ Digital Earth ” To put USGS All scientific assets—ranging from various scientific knowledge and products to research capabilities—are organized into a logical, flexible, and integrable modular framework, enabling rapid and efficient access to diverse scientific resources. Through this framework, data, scientific methods, technological approaches, and models can continuously enhance scientific understanding and decision-support within the critical zone. Once completed, the Digital Earth will provide a centralized, easily accessible platform for sharing and elevating scientific information. Leveraging this robust framework, comprehensive assessments of the quantity, quality, and ecological status of multi-disciplinary natural resources can be conducted in a remarkably short time.

In short, Earth system science offers a new perspective on addressing major challenges facing the economy and society, such as the security of natural resources, ecosystem conservation, climate change, and the prevention and control of natural disasters.

Earth system science has become the fundamental framework for the development of international earth sciences, providing new concepts, new ways of thinking, and a new paradigm for geological survey work, and it has already had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on geological survey activities.

Guided by the theory of Earth system science, promoting a strategic restructuring of China’s geological survey efforts is not only a theoretical necessity that aligns with and leads the development of Earth sciences, but also a practical imperative for supporting the unified management of natural resources and advancing ecological civilization. □