The Roles of Ecosystem Observation and Research Network in Earth System Science
FU Bojie， NIU Dong， YU Guirui

1．中国科学院生态环境研究中心城市与区域生态国家重点实验室，资源环境科学与技术局，北京 100085；2. 中国科学院生态系统网络观测与模拟重点实验室，CERN综合研究中心，中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所，北京100101

Abstract

Earth system science aims at earth system and particularly focuses on its different spheres, key factors and the interactions between nature and human activities. It is the emerging fields promoted by scientific development and social demand. The concept of Earth system science was proposed for solving the problems of global resources and environment, which was an important stage for earth science changing into the direction of integration study. At present, a number of important international joint research programs have been organized on global scale under the guidance of earth system science that attempts to unite global scientists to boost the development of earth science.The development of earth system science relies on the integrated observation of the physical, chemical and biological processes in key elements and spheres of earth system. Since 1980s, many observation, monitoring and information sharing networks have been established on regional, national and international scales by some countries, international organizations and projects. International Long Term Ecological Research Network (ILTER) was established in 1980s. The scientific objectives of ILTER are to carry out long-term observation on ecological processes, study the interaction among various ecological factors, investigate the long-term changes of ecosystem and environment and offer scientific support for ecosystem assessment and management.Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) was initially established in 1988. It has played important roles in the dynamic observations, scientific research and production demonstrations of ecosystem and environment in China. Based on CERN, Chinese National Ecosystem Network (CNEN) was established by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2005. Fifty-three stations have been enrolled to CNEN for dynamic observations and research in cropland, forest, lake, gulfs and grasslands as well as deserts. CNEN will become a necessary part of the GEOSS and take important roles in the development of earth system science in China. This study will discuses the potential roles of ecosystem observation and research network in earth system science and future directions of CERN.
Keywords: ecosystem; earth system science; CERN; CNEN; GEOSS