The Geologic Record of Biosphere Dynamics: A Key to Predicting the Biotic Effects of Future Environmental Change

National Academy Of Sciences, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of biotic response to past environmental change is an essential element for predicting the effect on the earth's biosphere of future environmental change. Although time-series data in the geologic record represents the major source of information describing the dynamics of this past biotic response, methodological and administrative gulfs between biological scientists and earth scientists, and among real-time, recent-past, and deep-time approaches, have hindered basic research and its application to policy issues. This study will describe mechanisms for promoting the interdisciplinary science at the interface of biology and geology that depends on the collection, analysis, and understanding of biogeologic time-series data. The study will provide the basis for informed decision-making in government, industry, and academia, by (1) assessing the current state of biogeologic analysis relevant to biosphere dynamics; (2) identifying the most promising directions for collaborative research and the sharing of methodologies; and (3) describing the programmatic themes and research and data infrastructures required to accomplish these interdisciplinary objectives