Critical Zone Observatories"The Critical Zone is defined as the external terrestrial layer extending from the outer limits of vegetation down to and including the zone of groundwater. This zone sustains most terrestrial life on the planet. Despite its importance for life, scientific approaches and funding paradigns have not promoted and emphasized integrated research agendas to investigate the coupling between physical, biological, geological, and chemical processes in the Critical Zone." - Frontiers in Exploration of the Critical Zone 2006 The Critical Zone Observatories (CZO’s) are observatories to study the processes occurring in the Critical Zone. These observatories were funded in 2007 by the National Science Foundation . The goal of the CZOs is to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary scientists and engineers interested in the coupling between chemistry, biology, and geology at the surface of the earth. At present, three CZOs are funded. Information about these CZOs is given below. - (Program Solicitation: NSF 06-588 - Critical Zone Observatories). Search NSF awards (keyword: CZO). NSF has funded the following CZOs.
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