Founding an Australian Critical Zone Observatory Network

这项建议建立了一个新的澳大利亚临界区观测站网络。 该网络将填补有关地下和地上环境进程的相互作用及其对扰动和变化的反应的基本知识空白。 这些相互作用决定了食物、清洁水、矿产资源和澳大利亚生态系统的可持续性，无法在现有的环境基础设施下进行研究。 5个基础站点将安装综合监测设备，以观察“关键区”（从植物冠层到新鲜基岩的垂直跨度）的碳、水、能量和质量的存量和通量。 加入一个新兴的国际运动，该网络将促进澳大利亚的临界区科学。

This proposal founds a new network of Australian Critical Zone Observatories. The network will fill essential knowledge gaps about interactions of under- and above-ground environmental processes and their responses to disturbance and change. These interactions determine the sustainability of food, clean water, mineral resources and Australian ecosystems, and cannot be studied with existing environmental infrastructure. The 5 foundational sites will host integrated monitoring equipment to observe stocks and fluxes of carbon, water, energy and mass across the “Critical Zone” – the vertical span from plant canopies to fresh bedrock. Joining a burgeoning international movement, the network will catalyse Critical Zone science in Australia.