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News Release 14-155

NSF awards $1.35 million for new institute focused on Earth's critical zone: Where rock meets life

Institute scientists will cross the boundaries of Earth's critical zone from tree canopy to groundwater base

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a forest, river, water bed section, sky and satellite

NSF has funded a new institute focused on Earth's critical zone: Where rock meets life.

Credit: NSF/CZO


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the critical zone, rock, soil, water, air and living organisms

In the critical zone, rock, soil, water, air and living organisms shape Earth's surface.

Credit: NSF/CZO


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map showing Critical Zone Observatories locations across North America.

NSF's network of Critical Zone Observatories stretches from coast to coast across North America.

Credit: NSF/CZO


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a scientist seen high atop of the tree canopy.

Research in the critical zone takes scientists from bedrock to the top of the tree canopy.

Credit: NSF Southern Sierra CZO


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A sap-flux meter monitors a tree in the critical zone.

Listening to the forest's heartbeat: A sap-flux meter monitors a tree in the critical zone.

Credit: NSF Southern Sierra CZO


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laptop, backpack and snowshoes used in the field while doing research

Science-in-the-snow: Downloading data from instruments placed on critical zone trees.

Credit: NSF Southern Sierra CZO


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