ESKP (Earth System Knowledge Platform) is the knowledge platform of the Research Field Earth and Environment of the Helmholtz Association. The platform is supported by eight Helmholtz Centres:

• AWI: Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
• DLR: German Aerospace Center
• FZJ: Forschungszentrum Jülich
• GEOMAR: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
• GFZ: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – German Research Centre for Geosciences
• HZG: Helmholtz Centre Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research
• KIT: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• UFZ: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

The platform is coordinated at Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – German Research Centre for Geosciences.

The eskp.de website vividly conveys knowledge on the central topics of natural hazards, climate change, pollutants and the effects of the energy turnaround on the environment in the form of scientific articles, interviews, video clips, science GIFs, information graphics and more.

ESKP processes research findings for society. The range of expertise in the Research Area Earth and Environment allows complex topics to be examined from different perspectives and to be presented as a whole, in particular via the format of the “Themenspezial” (currently only in German). The contributions also point out open questions as an impulse back into the science community and provide action options. The aim is to improve the basis for decision-making in politics and society.

Scientific examination at ESKP

The editorial staff of the Helmholtz Knowledge Platform Earth and Environment ESKP is guided by the high quality standards of the Helmholtz Association. As a rule, scientists from the research centres publish on ESKP in the form of name or opinion contributions. Natural science orientated contributions prepared by the ESKP editorial staff are reviewed by researchers of the Helmholtz Association from the respective field of knowledge. All articles are marked accordingly to ensure the best possible transparency regarding authorship and professional participation.

By disseminating verifiable and comprehensible information, ESKP aims to contribute to the free formation of opinion and offer users a reliable source of information.

Unravelling hidden messages in the oceans and in the ice

From the Arctic ice to the bottom of the oceans: Helmholtz scientists working at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Bremerhaven study the poles, the oceans and the climate. Their research often takes them along exciting and hazardous routes. Their goal is to unravel the changes - partly natural and partly caused by humans - taking place in the global environment and in System Earth.

The AWI works in the following three scientific topic fields

• Geoscientists at the Alfred Wegener Institute are reconstructing the history of the polar continents and seas. They study sedimentation history, the processes of deposition and geological transformation in the oceans, marine bio-geochemical cycles, and the paleoclimate of the polar regions. Glaciologists are working on the reconstruction of climate history from ice cores, researching the mass balance and the dynamcis of the large ice masses in Greenland and the Antarctic, as well as their interactions with the global climate. Seismic measurements and the identification of anomalies in the Earth's gravitational and magnetic field provide the scientists with valuable information about the structure of the Arctic and Antarctic continental shelfs. Atmospheric chemists at AWI are unravelling the chemical processes in the troposphere and stratosphere that determine our environment.
• The division Bioscience deals with ecological, physiological and ecotoxicological topics. Shelf and coastal waters of the polar seas as well as coastal waters of the North Sea are the areas of major interest. Central themes are the reactions of cells, individuals, populations and communities towards external influences, and organisation and dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems.
• Studies in the Climate Science department of the Alfred Wegener Institute focus on the coupled ocean-ice-atmosphere system and its importance for the global climate. AWI researchers conduct field measurements and numerical simulations related to oceanic circulation, transport of substances and energy in polar seas and the polar atmosphere, as well as related to the influence of these processes on the global climate system. Oceanographic studies concentrate on the modification of water masses in the Weddell and North Polar Seas and on the spreading of deep and bottom waters into the world ocean. Atmospheric studies focus on the investigation of climate relevant processes on different scales in space and time. In addition, variations in the concentration of climate-forcing trace gases and aerosols and their impact on the Earth's radiation balance are investigated.

Scientific research with an icebreaker

Their research work often takes the Helmholtz scientists from Bremerhaven out to sea or even direct to the ice at the North and South Poles. An icebreaker serves as their No. 1 mobile research platform: The research and supply ship "Polarstern". Research stations in the Arctic and Antarctic make it possible to take meteorological and geophysical measurements all year round. In addition, the Helmholtz Centre operates three research ships which study more moderate climes, as well as two polar aircraft.

The AWI has a total of 778 staff and its head office in Bremerhaven. This Helmholtz Centre also maintains a Research Institute in Potsdam (Forschungsstelle Potsdam), a Biological Institute on Helgoland (Biologische Anstalt Helgoland - BAH) and a Tideland Station on Sylt (Wattenmeerstation Sylt).

In addition to performing basic and applied research, the AWI also plays a coordinating role, offers advice and consultancy, and provides special services. These responsibilities focus on biological monitoring, on providing scientific-technical support for German polar research, and on giving advice to the German government.

Moving into the future

What useful information can satellites give us for monitoring the environment and disaster management? What can we discover about the origins and development of the universe? How can we generate power in a way that is both efficient and environmentally friendly? What concepts and technologies can we use to make land, sea and air travel compatible with the environment? These are just some of the questions that scientists at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne are trying to answer. DLR pools federal and state funding and resources for research and development in the fields of air and space travel, transport and selected energy sectors. As Germany’s national space agency, DLR is responsible for realising the German government’s space agenda.

Research and development at DLR focuses on crucial technologies for the 21^st century. Its role encompassing everything from defining suitable sensors to data reception and use, the DLR space research programme contributes significantly to the ongoing development of European satellite launcher systems and itself conducts earth observation of the Earth using satellites. Other important challenges for the future include the development of quieter, low-emission aircraft that still offer high performance and of new propulsion and combustion technologies, and maximising the use and efficiency of solar energy. The centre is at the vanguard of R&D work in new key technologies such as adaptronics, mechatronics and intelligent materials, and advances the use of simulation processes and the further development of software and data management.

With state-of-the-art testing facilities and research aircraft at its disposal, DLR is able to act as a driving force in joint European efforts to tackle these challenges.

Technological basis for economic competitiveness

DLR is helping to build and maintain a technological basis that will keep Germany competitive at an international level. It works in close cooperation with industry, allowing the results of its research to be transferred into practical applications quickly; its partnerships with innovative medium-sized businesses are particularly important.

DLR has 7,700 employees in 16 locations, including Cologne (head office), Berlin, Bremen, Braunschweig, Göttingen, Lampoldshausen, Oberpfaffenhofen and Stuttgart. DLR is involved in several international testing sites and has liaison offices in Brussels, Paris and Washington.

Forschungszentrum Jülich focuses on use-inspired basic research. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach and investigates relations between research areas energy, information, and sustainable bioeconomy.

Information

Increasing digitalisation requires and enables innovations in high-performance computing, scientific simulation and big data as well as future technologies such as quantum computing and neuromorphic computing. The coding of information in molecular biology structures such as proteins or neuronal information processing in the human brain are also investigated by Jülich scientists. Understanding the complex processes in the brain is the prerequisite for better diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases.

Energy

The aim of the energy transition is a secure, affordable and environmentally friendly energy supply. Research focuses on renewable energies, combined with questions of transformation and storage as well as the interactions of the energy system with the atmosphere and the climate. This requires a systemic linking of the value-added chains, for example from power generation using photovoltaics to storage and reconversion.

Future area Bioeconomy

Structural change from an oil-based to a bio-based economy will gain in importance as a strategic topic of the future. For this reason, sustainable bioeconomy, that is, research into new value chains based on plant raw materials, is being expanded.

The institutes’ mandate is the interdisciplinary investigation of all relevant aspects of modern marine sciences, from sea floor geology to marine meteorology. Research is conducted worldwide in all oceans. 

The institute has four major research divisions:

• Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics
• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Marine Ecology
• Dynamics of the Ocean Floor.

In addition, GEOMAR contributes to the Cluster of Excellence "The Future Ocean" and the collaborative research centres, SFB 574 "Volatiles and Fluids in Subducton Zones" and SFB754: "Climate-Biogeochemistry Interactions in the Tropical Ocean", funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG). 

GEOMAR cooperates closely with the University of Kiel in the education of future marine scientists. Bachelor curricula include “Physics of the Earth System: Meteorology – Oceanography – Geophysics” and internationally oriented Master courses such as “Climate Physics: Meteorology and Physical Oceanography” and “Biological Oceanography.” Additional contributions to other curricula such as Geology and Geophysics are also provided. GEOMAR also has cooperative programmes with other universities around the world. Special programmes for pupils and teachers aim to stimulate interest in the marine sciences at an early stage. 

In addition, the institute operates four research vessels, state-of-the-art equipment such as the manned submersible JAGO, the deep-sea robots ROV KIEL6000, PHOCA and ABYSS as well as several major laboratories, access to high performance computing facilities and an attractive public aquarium. 

GEOMAR is one of three leading institutions in the field of marine sciences in Europe. In addition to number of international partner institutions, GEOMAR together with the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom and Ifremer in France has formed the “G3 group” of national marine research centres. 

GEOMAR cooperates with a number of small companies active in marine technology and science, partly founded by former staff members of the institute.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

Wischhofstr. 1-3
24148 Kiel

+49 431 600-0
+49 431 600-2805
presse(at)geomar.de
http://www.geomar.de

The GFZ is Germany’s national research center for the solid Earth Sciences. Our mission is to deepen the knowledge of the dynamics of the solid Earth, and to develop solutions for grand challenges facing society. These challenges include anticipating the hazards arising from the Earth’s dynamic systems and mitigating the associated risks to society; securing our habitat under the pressure of global change; and supplying energy and mineral resources for a rapidly growing population in a sustainable manner and without harming the environment.

These challenges are inextricably linked with the dynamics of planet Earth, not just the solid Earth and the surface on which we live, but also the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and the chemical, physical, and biological processes that connect them. Hence, we view our planet as a system with interacting components. We investigate the structure and history of the Earth, its properties, and the dynamics of its interior and surface, and we use our fundamental understanding to develop solutions needed to maintain planet Earth as a safe and supportive habitat.

In pursuit of our mission, we have developed a comprehensive spectrum of expertise in geodesy, geophysics, geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, physics, geomorphology, geobiosciences, mathematics, and engineering. This is complemented by our deep methodological and technological knowhow and innovation. We are responsible for the long-term operation of expansive instrument networks, arrays and observatories, as well as data and analytical infrastructures. To accomplish our large-scale tasks, we have established MESI, the worldwide unique Modular Earth Science Infrastructure.

We coordinate our science through five Research Units:

• Global Processes – Integrated monitoring and modelling: How are linked processes controlling the global dynamics of the Earth and change in the Earth System?

• Plate Boundary Systems – Understanding the dynamics that affect the human habitat: How do the dynamic processes of the solid Earth’s most dynamic systems function and how do they control related hazards and resource formation?

• Earth Surface and Climate Interactions – Probing records to constrain mechanisms and sensitivities: How does climate change today and in the past affect the Earth surface and how do surface processes, in turn, influence the atmosphere and climate?

• Natural Hazards – Understanding risks and safeguarding the human habitat: How can we better predict and understand natural hazards, their dynamics, and their consequences?

• Georesources and Geoenergy – Raw materials and contributions to the energy transition: How can georesources and the geological subsurface be used in a sustainable way?

A Glance into Coastal Research at HZG

Current Topics in Coastal Research

Coastal Research:

• Coastal researchers study the interactions between land, sea and humans. Primary questions that concern coastal regions worldwide arise, for example, due to climate change, alterations in the cycling of materials or human activity.
• Concentrating mainly on the North Sea, The Institute of Coastal Research develops observational technology, models and analyses to generate a better understanding of the natural processes and the effects of human influence on the coasts.
• Coastal research takes into consideration scientific processes and their regional and global characteristics within the context of socio-economic conditions. Such an approach supports the sustainable development and management of coastal regions.

The COSYNA Research Platform
HZG's Institute of Coastal Research operates COSYNA (Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas), one of the most comprehensive monitoring systems worldwide. This measuring network with its numerous measuring instruments and observation platforms, in combination with computer simulations, delivers continuously updated descriptions and predictions of the environmental conditions in the North Sea. HZG handles its complex research endeavors within strong networks and partnerships from both the scientific and commercial sectors. Within the framework of COSYNA, HZG cooperates with numerous partners from research and government agencies. National and international research projects, institutions and firms use the freely available data and the existing infrastructure.

HZG - Science Creates Benefits
Through research and development of coastal and material sciences, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht develops new insights, gives impetus to innovative processes and helps clarify pressing societal, scientific and economic questions. HZG employs approximately one thousand individuals at their locations in Geesthacht and Teltow in the areas of material sciences, regenerative medicine and coastal research.

The research and development activities of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are embedded in the superordinate program structure of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers and concentrate on 13 programs in four research fields.

Research Field Energy
The KIT Renewable Energies Program focuses research and development on the topics biomass as chemical energy carrier and geothermal technologies. Within the framework of the European Fusion Programme, the Research Center's Nuclear Fusion Program addresses basic technical issues related to the development of a fusion power reactor. Research focuses on superconducting magnets, gyrotron development, the solid blanket, tritium technology, and materials research. The Nuclear Safety Research Program studies scientific aspects of the safety of nuclear reactors and the safety of nuclear waste disposal. Long-term maintenance and constant development of competence in nuclear engineering are required for the operation of nuclear reactors, the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and the disposal of radioactive waste. The Efficient Energy Conversion and Use (REUN) Program covers the activities with respect to non-nuclear energy technology. In particular, it is focused on superconductivity, processes for energy-efficient conversion of fuel, the co-combustion of heterogeneous feedstocks and innovative processes based on microwave, micro process, and catalytic technologies. The interdisciplinary research programme "Technology, Innovation, and Society" was established to study aspects such as political and economic framework conditions, acceptance by the population, or ethical questions by systems analysis and socio-scientific approaches, mostly in close cooperation with the technical institutes at KIT.

Research Field Earth and Environment
The Programme "Atmosphere and Climate"investigates the Earth's atmosphere as the central component of the climate system with advanced technologies of observation and numerical modeling. The atmosphere is the primary driver of climate change, affecting living conditions on Earth, and in turn, it is strongly affected by climate change effects in the Earth system. Changes of climate, natural hazards, and air quality represent major challenges to humankind over many generations. Growing economies drive significant changes in atmospheric composition, with ramifications on the climate system, human health, water resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Global climate change results in regionally diverse modifications of the water cycle and affects extreme weather events, such as heat waves, severe droughts, tropical storms, or heavy precipitation. Global deterioration of air quality, water resources, ecosystems and biodiversity pose a threat to the well-being of humankind. While the overall increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations is being monitored by routine observations, and its principal drivers (e.g., global energy production, sources and sinks in oceans and biosphere) are reasonably well quantified, the level of understanding for other trace gases and for aerosol particles is much lower. Large uncertainties exist in the understanding of complex feedback mechanisms in the climate system, particularly with respect to aerosols and clouds, land-use/land-cover change, and the roles of reactive trace gases and of chemical and physical processes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Research Field Key Technologies
The BioInterfaces program brings together biologists, chemists, physicists, IT specialists, engineers, and material scientists with the common goal of controlling living systems, and bridges the gap between fundamental research and development of application-oriented technologies and products. The NANOMICRO: Science, Technology, Systems Program is dedicated towards research and development of quantum size effects and molecular building blocks, new and novel functional materials beyond IC-materials, reliable processing and characterisation technologies, new optical and photonic systems and energy storage systems. NANOMICRO operates the Karlsruhe Nano Micro Facility (KNMF). The Supercomputing Program focuses on linking innovative services with research-driven tasks. It investigates research-relevant issues in order to derive general and sustainable structures. These are made available to the entire KIT community and shall also be acknowledged and used by national and international partners. Apart from integration of supercomputers, clusters, and heterogeneous stores in distributed structures, the software of scientific applications is optimized such that supercomputers, grids, and clouds can be used efficiently.

Research Field Structure of Matter
Worldwide, the potential of astroparticle physics is estimated to be very high. On the international level, the Astroparticle Physics Program of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is operating the KASCADE facility and is involved in the Pierre Auger Observatory for the investigation of cosmic radiation, the EDELWEISS experiment for direct search for dark matter and the KATRIN facility in neutrino physics. The Synchrotron Radiation ANKA Program is dedicated to improving the performance of medium-energy synchrotron radiation sources, in particular of ANKA (Angstroem source Karlsruhe), as well as to developing the superconducting mini undulator and establishing the synchrotron environmental laboratory. As one of eleven tier-1 centers worldwide the Grid Computing Centre Karlsruhe (GridKa), located at the Steinbuch Centre for Computing (SCC), is responsible for the storage and analysis of a significant part of data from the LHC experiments "ALICE", "ATLAS", "CMS" and "LHCb". Furthermore SCC provides compute and storage capacity for other high energy physics experiments as well as the astroparticle physics experiment "Auger".

The mission of the UFZ

As an international competence centre for the environmental sciences, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) investigates the complex interactions between mankind and nature under the influence of global change. In close cooperation with decision-makers and stakeholders, scientists at the UFZ develop system solutions to improve the management of complex environmental systems and to tackle environmental issues.

For example, we work on the management of water resources, the impacts of land use change on human landscapes and biodiversity, the impacts of chemicals in the environment and on human health as well as adaptation strategies for climate change.

Successful solutions require a solid scientific basis. But this is not sufficient. Environmental research, which is usually dominated by the natural sciences,
has to become increasingly linked to the human, social and legal sciences.

This is the challenge that we – the 1.100 people working at the UFZ – face.

It is our mission to suggest ways that ensure a balance between economic and societal development on the one hand and the long-term protection of our natural resource base on the other.

The UFZ´s research structure

Research at the UFZ is organized into 34 methodical competence centres, the so-called departments. The large number of departments underlines the large range of competences and approaches at the UFZ. The departments are organized into seven divisions, namely:

1. Environmental Systems, Computation and Monitoring
2. Water and Soil Sciences
3. Terrestrial Ecology
4. Environmental Technology
5. Environmental Health
6. Health Research
7. Social Sciences

In terms of its fields of research the UFZ focuses on three core subject areas as well as three cross-sectional competence areas. These are assigned to the Helmholtz Research Fields of Earth and Environment (Research programme „Terrestrial Environment“ / accounting for 85 percent of UFZ resources), Health (Research Programme “Environmental Health“ / 8 percent) as well as Energy (Research Programmes „Renewable Energies“ and „Technology, Innovation and Society“ / 7 percent).