Earth, space and ocean sciences
This integrated field studies Earth as a complex system, its place in the solar system, and the environmental challenges facing our planet. It encompasses geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, ecology, and planetary science, examining processes from the Earth's core to the edge of space.
Major challenges include predicting and mitigating natural disasters, understanding and addressing climate change, and exploring other worlds for signs of life or habitability. The field is crucial for understanding how human activities affect Earth's systems and for developing sustainable approaches to managing our planet's resources and environment..
The 10 earth, space and ocean sciences problems
* These are just preliminary ideas and do not represent final problems of the Berkeley 100 Challenge. The final problems will be determined by our Scientific Committees.
Integrated Earth System Prediction Model
Early Warning System for Earth System Tipping Points
Earthquake Prediction System
Biodiversity Monitoring and Prediction System
Deep Earth Exploration System
Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration at Climate Scale
Comprehensive Extraterrestrial Life Detection System
Ocean-Atmosphere-Cryosphere Interaction Model
Extreme Environment Ecosystem Sustainability
Complete Planetary Interior Comparative Framework
Earth, space and ocean sciences problem sample
* These are just preliminary ideas and do not represent final problems of the Berkeley 100 Challenge. The final problems will be determined by our Scientific Committees.
Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration at Climate Scale
Problem Statement:
Develop and demonstrate a portfolio of carbon dioxide removal technologies capable of scaling to remove at least 10 gigatons of CO2 annually from the atmosphere at a cost below $100 per ton, with environmentally sound sequestration for at least 1000 years.
Evaluation Criteria:
Demonstrated removal capability at pilot scale with clear pathway to gigaton scale
Full life-cycle cost under $100 per ton of CO2 removed and sequestered
Energy requirements met through carbon-neutral sources
Verification methodology for quantifying actual carbon removal and sequestration
Sequestration stability guaranteed for 1000+ years with monitoring systems
Minimal negative impacts on land, water, biodiversity, and other environmental values
Regulatory and governance framework for responsible deployment
Feasibility Assessment:
Extremely challenging, likely requiring a 10-20 year timeframe. Requires breakthrough innovations in materials, processes, and systems integration. Advances in direct air capture materials, enhanced mineral weathering techniques, biomass processing, and carbon-neutral energy sources would be important precursors.
Impact on the Field:
Would provide a crucial tool for climate stabilization beyond emissions reductions alone. Would potentially enable "negative emissions" to return atmospheric CO2 to lower levels. May transform our approach to the carbon cycle from a one-way flow to a managed system with implications for both climate and ecosystem management.
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