Earth Science Programs - Basic Research Opportunities in Earth Science - page 134

research on soil-borne pathogens, toxic chemicals, aerosol dusts, molecular
biology, and the effect of soil consumption on human health.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA
supports research related to hydrology and the Critical Zone. In particular, the
Coastal Ocean Program supports research aimed at characterizing changes in
coastal areas (e.g., shorelines, habitat), reducing and reversing the degradation of
coastal habitats, and predicting and assessing the impact of natural and human-
induced hazards (including climate change) on coastal ecosystems and habitats.
The Office of Global Programs supports the GEWEX Continental-Scale
International Project, which examines the water-energy exchange processes
involved in the coupling of the atmosphere and land surface in the Mississippi
River Basin.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA supports research
related to geobiology, microorganisms in the environment, and the Critical Zone.
For example, the Water Quality and Management Program sponsors research on
water and climate characterization, hydrologic processes, and watershed
characteristics. The Soil Resource Assessment and Management Program
supports research on soil conservation, carbon sequestration in soils, and soil
properties and indicators. The Global Change Program supports research on
hydrologic processes, agricultural greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide) budgets, and the effect of climate change on the agriculture
system. The Natural Resources Conservation Program supports the national soil
survey mapping program and research on spatial diversity of soil-landscape
patterns, wind, and water erosion processes; mechanisms of carbon sequestration
in soil systems; soil quality; and wetland biogeochemical processes. The Plant,
Microbial, and Insect Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement
Program supports research on microbial cycling of elements and associated new
biotechnologies. Finally, the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes Program
supports research on the responses of plant growth and development to the
environment, and the nature of environmental, physical, and chemical
messengers that trigger developmental changes in plants.
National Science Foundation. NSF supports research related to
geobiology, Earth and planetary materials, the Critical Zone, EarthScope, and
planetary science:
• Atmospheric Sciences Division supports research relevant to the Critical
Zone, particularly the flux of trace gases into and out of the atmosphere,
and the assembly and analysis of paleoclimate data.