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Environmental Virtual Observatory

Background

The pilot Environmental Virtual Observatory (EVO) is essential for delivering aspects of the NERC strategy: Next Generation Science for Plant Earth. It has been developed as part of the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources theme and specifically addresses Priority 2: developing an integrated water-soil life support system. Meeting this priority needs a systematic study of the complex interactions that make up the soil-water system.

A major challenge to our understanding of water-soil systems is to unravel the interactions between the hydrological and soil physical and biogeochemical networks that enable complex processes to take place. To meet this challenge requires systematic study of the complex interactions that make up the soil-water system using an integrative approach. Technical advances in data-mining and high-performance computing, as well as in cloud computing and near real-time environmental observations in both freshwater and terrestrial environments make this goal increasingly possible - but only with investment, and through collaboration.

The pilot EVO project seeks to capture the opportunity to harness these technologies to address fundamental science questions across a wide spectrum of the NERC research community. An integrated and collaborative research community with a range of research skills, access to cutting-edge technologies and environmental data have been formed to address research questions on water-soil systems at differing physical locations.

The pilot EVO will demonstrate how environmental monitoring and decision making could be more efficient, effective and transparent to the whole community. Novel visualisation tools will promote cross-disciplinary communication and illustrate the effects of alternative strategies and solutions 'from town hall to Whitehall'.

As part of the Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) programme, the Environmental Virtual Observatory was designed in consultation with the input of several LWEC partners, including Defra, the Environment Agency and BBSRC, along with valuable advice from others in the academic and user communities.

It contributes to the delivery on Objective A, "to protect the impacts of climate change, mitigate or adapt to these and manage extreme events", by addressing issues of flooding and sustainable environmental management. It also addresses issues of water within Objective C, "to promote human well-being, alleviate poverty and minimise waste by ensuring a sustainable food a water supply".