NSF Research Day University of Vermont - June 6, 2008 Directorate for Geosciences Margaret Cavanaugh Deputy Assistant Director

The Mission of the Directorate for Geosciences Support research in the atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences Address the nation’s need to understand, predict, and respond to environmental events and changes in order to use the Earth’s resources wisely

Budget Request by GEO Division Change Over FY 2008 Estimate Appropriations AccountFY 2007 Actual FY 2008 Estimate FY 2009 Request AmountPercent Atmospheric Sciences % Earth Science % Innovative & Collaborative Education & Research Ocean Sciences % TOTAL, GEO$745.85$752.66$848.67$ %

Ocean Sciences Physical Oceanography Biological Oceanography Chemical Oceanography Marine Geology and Geophysics Oceanographic Technology Ocean Drilling Program Major Facilities (Academic Fleet, etc.) Atmospheric Sciences Meteorology Climate Dynamics and Paleoclimate Atmospheric Chemistry Aeronomy Magnetospheric Physics Solar-Terrestrial Physics Major Facilities (NCAR, Incoherent Scatter Radars, etc.) Earth Sciences Paleobiology, Sedimentary Geology Geophysics & Geochemistry Tectonics & Continental Dynamics Hydrologic Sciences & Geomorphology Geobiology EarthScope Program Major Facilities (COMPRESS, IRIS, etc.)

Recent & Ongoing Major Facility Investments HIAPER: Construction complete, initial operations began in 2005 AMISR: Construction nearing completion, operations ramping up EarthScope: Construction continues through 2008, currently on time and on budget Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel: FY 2007 funds complete construction, operations to start in 2008

New MREFC Investments Ocean Observatories Initiative: $5.99 million appropriated in 2008 Alaska Region Research Vessel: $9.49 million appropriated in 2007 with an additional $42.0 million in 2008 Both projects undergoing design and cost reviews prior to start of major construction and continuation of funding.

New GEO Research Activities Emerging Topics in Biogeochemical Cycles Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change Critical Zone Observatories

Emerging Topics in Biogeochemical Cycles (ETBC) Quantitative or mechanistic understanding of biogeochemical cycles that integrate physical-chemical- biological processes over the range of temporal and/or spatial scales in Earth’s environments. Proposals must cross the disciplinary boundaries. Dear Colleague Letter issued on September 19, 2007 Not a special competition or new program.

Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change (P2C2) Utilize key geological, chemical, and biological records of climate system variability to provide insights into –Mechanisms and rate of change that characterized Earth's past climate variability –Sensitivity of Earth's climate system to changes in forcing –Response of key components of the Earth system to these changes. Re-issuance of Earth System History solicitation 2008 Deadlines: February 4 and October 15

Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) Critical Zone Observatories operate at the watershed scale and will significantly advance our understanding of the integration and coupling of Earth surface processes as mediated by the presence and flux of fresh water. Observatories include field and analytical research methods, as well as theoretical techniques, each providing the impetus for advances in the other, as well as substantial and novel plans for education, outreach and broader impacts.

Education Investments GEO has built a robust portfolio of education and diversity investments. In FY 2009, support for these programs is maintained. Opportunities for Enhancement of Diversity in the Geosciences $4.6 million Geoscience Education $2.5 million including $1 million to foster linkages with LSAMPP GEO Teach $3.0 million Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) $1.1 million Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence $5.55 million In addition, most facilities, centers, and many individual investigator awards include strong education and outreach programs.

Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG) Primary goal is to increase participation in geoscience education and research by students from groups currently underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. About $9 M per competition; held biennially New solicitation in Summer 2008 Deadline in Fall 2008

Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Current structure: initiate innovative GeoEd activities –Pilot projects: Innovative education activities, maximum award $150K –Integrative collaborations: Integrate with LSAMP, AGEP or similar projects, maximum award $500K –All educational levels –Dissemination and evaluation plans required Revised solicitation may modify this structure –Deadline: Expected in Fall 2009 –Funds available: about $1.5 million

Some Current Challenges in Geosciences Research Ocean Acidification Deep Earth Processes Water Dynamics in the Environment Coupled Natural and Human Systems

Water Dynamics in the Environment Enhance our understanding of complex hydrological processes and predict water availability and quality at local and regional scales FY09 Budget Request –$10 million –Targeted at detailed planning and pilot projects –Enables coordination with other agencies

New and Urgent Challenges Water is a critical resource for –Economic Vitality –Energy Independence –National Security Water management needs to be adaptive and account for effects of climate change and variability Changing water patterns are increasing the stress on ecosystems Water availability and quality are key factors in land use and energy

Research Challenges Develop a comprehensive model of the water system Understand the impact of environmental changes or variability in water supply on ecosystems Understand and predict the impacts of floods, droughts, and storms on hydrological processes Improve knowledge of relationships and feedbacks between local or regional hydrology and engineered solutions to water availability and quality

Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems Promotes quantitative, interdisciplinary analyses of relevant human and natural system processes and complex interactions among human and natural systems at diverse scales Provides educational opportunities for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, K-12 Educators Partnership between GEO, BIO, & SBE Total budget of approximately $8 M in FY 2008 Deadline: Annually on Third Tuesday in November