The EarthScope facility is a multi-purpose array of instruments and observatories that will greatly expand the observational capabilities of the Earth Sciences and permit us to advance our understanding of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the North American continent. This is made possible by theoretical, computational, and technological advances in geophysics, satellite geodesy, information technology, drilling technology and downhole instrumentation. The EarthScope observational facility, consisting of the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO), the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD), and the USArray, provides a framework for broad, integrated studies across the Earth sciences, including research on fault properties and the earthquake process, crustal strain transfer, magmatic and hydrous fluids in the crust and mantle, plate boundary processes, large-scale continental deformation, continental structure and evolution, and composition and structure of the deep-Earth. In addition, EarthScope offers a centralized forum for Earth science education at all levels and an excellent opportunity to develop cyberinfrastructure to integrate, distribute, and analyze diverse data sets.

Target Dates and Deadlines

August 24, 2004; July 16, 2005 and annually thereafter.

Program Contact(s)

Kaye Shedlock
Program Director, Division of Earth Sciences
Phone: 703.292.8556
Fax: 703.292.9025
Email: kshedloc@nsf.gov