Helmholtz-EOS-Conference - Completion of the research network's first phase 28-29 October 2008 On October 28-29, 2008, the successful first phase of the EOS research network with its doctoral programme and networking platform NaDiNe was closed by a Conference. The event was organized at the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. Programme for this event ... Presentations as .zip-File (47 MB)...     Location EOS-Conference:     Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam     Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum     Telegraphenberg     Haus H, Hörsaal
	Developed methods expanded into follow-up projects 23 June 2008 The PhD Thesis of Hannes Taubenböck identified the capabilities and limitations of remote sensing to assess risk and vulnerability in urban areas. The developed methods expanded into follow-up projects. mehr ...
	Group on Earth Observation - Biodiversity Observation Network (GEOBON) 9 - 11 April 2008 Diplom biologist Jens Oldeland, EOS-PhD student within the cooperation of the University of Hamburg and the DLR, took part in the formation process of a new network initiative for the global observation of biodiversity. At the three-day conference in Potsdam, scientists from over 35 countries decided on the foundations and needs for such a network. The network called GEO-BON will be part of GEOSS an international association on earth observation. mehr ...
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Continued growth of the world’s population, the resulting intensified exploitation of our planet and its resources, and the increasing susceptibility of society to natural disasters all call for sustained and internationally agreed activity to preserve our living environment. Earth is a dynamic planet subject to constant change caused by a variety of endogenous and exogenous forces and processes and characterized by interactions and exchanges among the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. In order to comprehend this space in which we live, we have to consider Earth as a system and analyze its functioning globally as well as regionally.It is also necessary to evaluate the effects of human activity and interference with the natural equilibria and processes of this highly complex system.

The network is intended to facilitate the work of scientists in depicting and modeling these processes spatially and temporally at high resolution and in monitoring the status and trends of the Earth system. The physical and chemical tolerances of processes critical for human life also need to be defined, and long-term monitoring undertaken of global, regional and local changes.

Thanks to their expertise, science infrastructure and major facilities the Helmholtz centers AWI, GKSS, DLR and GFZ have the necessary preconditions for jointly pursuing crucial research topics in this context and achieving added value. The Helmholtz Research Fields "Earth and Environment" and "Transport and Space" are being linked to create an "Integrated Earth Observing System." Its purpose is to concentrate expertise and share infrastructure and data, initially in the according research programs.

These activities are financed from the resources each participating center contributes toward the work it carries out in the individual research programs of the network. Coordination of topics and allocation of resources are handled by the network's steering committee.

Within the research topics "Land Surface Processes", "Disaster Management" and "Atmospheric Water Cycle" the network cooperates with the United Nations University Bonn, the University of Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek and the University of Karlsruhe.

The network can be expanded to address further topics upon the participation of additional Helmholtz centers, universities and research institutions.