scholarly journals Geomorphology and Earth System Science

2021 ◽  
pp. M58-2021-9
Author(s):  
Simon J. Dadson
Keyword(s):  
Plate Tectonics ◽  
Global Environmental Change ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Earth System Science ◽  
System Science ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
History Of ◽  
19Th And 20Th Century

AbstractThis chapter surveys the history of geomorphology and Earth system science 1965-2000. With roots in Enlightenment thought from Hutton, Somerville, Humboldt and Darwin we see a preoccupation with a holistic form of Earth system science develop through the reductionist, mechanistic ideas of the 19th and 20th century to be re-awoken in the 1960 and 1970s environmental movements and the space age, culminating in the major research programmes set by NASA and others subsequently. At the same time the chapter charts the evolution in geomorphology to consider plate tectonics and the origins of mountain ranges, geochemistry and its links between surfaces systems and the atmosphere, to later ideas emphasising the interplay between landforms and life. This chapter surveys changing interconnected ideas within this field and draws parallels and contrasts between the holistic depictions of Earth system science in the early part of the subject's history and the fundamental challenges facing us today as we grapple to find science-led solutions to global environmental change.

scholarly journals Semi-Centennial of Landsat Observations & Pending Landsat 9 Launch

2021 ◽  
Vol 87 (8) ◽  
pp. 533-539
Author(s):  
Samuel N. Goward ◽  
Jeffrey G. Masek ◽  
Thomas R. Loveland ◽  
John L. Dwyer ◽  
Darrel L. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Physical System ◽  
Major Element ◽  
Landsat Data ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Earth System Science ◽  
System Science ◽  
Half Century ◽  
History Of ◽  
Nearly Continuous

The first Landsat was placed in orbit on 23 July 1972, followed by a series of missions that have provided nearly continuous, two-satellite 8-day repeat image coverage of the Earth's land areas for the last half-century. These observations have substantially enhanced our understanding of the Earth's terrestrial dynamics, both as a major element of the Earth's physical system, the primary home of humans, and the major source of resources that support them. The history of Landsat is complex, reflective of the human systems that sustain it. Despite the conflicted perspectives surrounding the continuation of the program, Landsat has survived based on worldwide recognition of its critical contributions to understanding land dynamics, management of natural resources and Earth system science. Launch of Landsat 9 is anticipated in Fall 2021, and current planning for the next generation, Landsat Next is well underway. The community of Landsat data users is looking forward to another 50 years of the Landsat program.

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