Background: Established in 1995, PACES is an interdisciplinary research center whose primary research objective is to expand the scientific knowledge of the Earth system using the unique vantage point of space, with an emphasis on the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico border region. Significant remote sensing, geophysical, geological, and environmental data generated by NASA, other agencies, and institutions have been assembled to support this objective. In addition, PACES investigators conduct studies aimed at adapting and developing intelligent software and support tools to support the storage, fusion, manipulation, and analysis of remotely sensed and other data. The Center seeks to provide expanded educational opportunities about NASA technology and the Earth system to a diverse population of students at all levels. Pan American Center for Earth and Environmental Studies (PACES) University of Texas at El Paso Principal Investigator: Dr. Scott Starks Co-Investigators: Dr. Ann Gates, Dr. G. Randy Keller and Dr. Vladik Kreinovich The Rio Grande Rift: A Natural Laboratory for Geological Science Fault-bounded troughs or grabens localize water resources such as rivers, lakes and ground water. As rift zones evolve, volcanism and earthquake activity are by-products. As rifting extends the Earth’s upper crust, large areas subside leading to the development of a series of large sedimentary basins containing water resources. The Rio Grande rift/Rio Grande corridor region is the major focus area for the Center. Goals and Objectives: Expand scientific knowledge of the Earth system using the unique vantage point of space (with an emphasis on the Southwestern United States/Northern Mexico border region.) Provide expanded educational opportunities about NASA technology and the Earth system to a diverse population of students at all levels. Enable the productive use of science and technology relevant to NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise in the public and private sectors. Dissemination Efforts: As a NASA University Research Center on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, a primary function of PACES is to disseminate data about the Earth system and enable the productive use of science and technology in the public and private sectors. To this end, PACES maintains a large collection of satellite imagery and related data covering most of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Environmental Research Themes: Investigations on the effects on the use of untreated sewage effluent for crop irrigation on ground water quality. Analysis of changes that affect the quantity and quality of surface water in the Rio Grande basin (Elephant Butte to Big Bend.) Characterization of ambient particulate matter in the Paso del Norte Air Basin. Studies of land use changes through remote sensing. GIS applications to help analyze changes that affect water quality in the El Paso/Juarez metropolitan area. Bhutanese Architecture of UTEP Campus. Lake Lucero, White Sands National Monument Significant Accomplishments 16 Doctoral, 30 Masters and over 100 Undergraduat students have received research assistantships. 30 Faculty from 10 Departments: Summer support. 182 Refereed Journal Articles/Chapters since $3,889,706 in aligned support since Laboratories to support Remote Sensing/GIS. PhD in ESE established; Courses in RS/GIS. GEOINFORMATICS: Interdisciplinary research. Desalination Plant Proposal: Benefit to society. Landsat TM Image of El Paso/Ciudad Juarez Border Region The International Border Plays a Major Role in Environmental Research at PACES. PACES Scholars field trip to Ames Research Center