Research on Earth systems considers processes of the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, biosphere and solid Earth, along with their interactions. Movement of energy and water through the Earth system regulate Earth's climate, and affect the variability of climate and its extremes contributing to disaster risk. This influences essential water resources, and can also be associated with hazards such as sea level rise caused by melting of ice and the accumulation of heat in the ocean.

Understanding the processes that move energy and water through the ocean and atmosphere, and being able to model these processes in computer simulations, is critical for improving the accuracy of projections of future climate change. Our members' earth sciences research encompasses fields including climate science, atmospheric processes, oceans, water, the carbon cycle, the cryosphere, and geophysical conditions.