WE STUDY THE CRITICAL ZONE

Our nine U.S. Thematic Clusters study Earth’s outer skin - where water, atmosphere, ecosystems, soil & rock interact.

About CZNet

The Critical Zone Collaborative Network (CZNet) is the next phase of NSF’s Critical Zone research program, comprised of nine Thematic Clusters with a wide range of geological, climatic, and land use settings that provide an opportunity to better understand the critical zone.

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What is the Critical Zone

The Critical Zone is Earth's outer skin, but often defined from bedrock to treetop. This is an enviro​nment where rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms interact and shape the Earth's surface.

Research Opportunity for Undergraduates

CZNet NSF-funded REU Program

Program runs between May - August

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The Critical Zone Collaborative Network builds upon the outcomes of the Critical Zone Observatories project.

The Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) project was started in 2007 and consisted of nine observatories. The CZO website has been archived for reference.

View the Archived Critical Zone Observatories Website

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