Earth System Research - A future rooted in integrated data systems and tools.

A comprehensive understanding of our dynamic earth system requires an integrative, four dimensional, scientific approach. How each earth component and process interacts with and influences others in the whole system is a grand question to be investigated by geoscientists in the coming years. Understanding the integration and combination of earth system components to form the whole requires substantial integration among scientific disciplines in terms of concepts, knowledge, skills, and problem-solving approaches. GeoInformatics will provide the tools for the geoscience community to address this challenge and open new avenues for investigation and education.