Mission

Biosphere provides foundational knowledge on interactions between and within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, along with changes in their biogeochemistry and biodiversity. The goal is to further understand the Earth system in which both human-induced and natural changes influence productivity and the availability of natural resources. 

Overview

Earth's living ecosystems, along with their biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling of life-sustaining elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, are quite dynamic and both drive and respond to environmental changes ranging from local to global scales. Understanding humanity’s growing role in these changes is a necessary precondition for taking responsible action. We have much to learn about the interactions within and between ecosystems, including land, ocean, atmospheric, and human systems. NASA Biosphere programs specifically focus on addressing how global ecosystems are changing, and with them the services they provide humans (e.g., food, national security, clean water, and biodiversity changes). NASA Biosphere also works closely with programs in the other NASA Spheres as life jointly depends upon and drives the development of fundamental components in all research Spheres. The view from space afforded by NASA satellites provides a holistic understanding of conditions necessary for managing a sustainable biosphere for all. 

Contacts

Amanda Whitehurst 
Biosphere Program Manager 
Terrestrial Ecology Research 
Contact | Bio

Kelsey Bisson 
Biosphere Associate Program Manager (IPA, Oregon State Univ.) 
Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry Research 
Contact | Bio

Krishna Vadrevu  
Biosphere Program Manager (MSFC Detailee) 
Land-Cover and Land-Use Change Research 
Contact | Bio 

Laura Lorenzoni 
Biosphere Program Manager 
Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry Research
Contact | Bio 

Ryan Pavlick 
Biosphere and Enabling Capabilities Program Manager (dual role) 
Terrestrial Ecology Research and Airborne Science Program Scientist  
Contact

Woody Turner 
Biosphere Program Manager 
Biological Diversity Research
Contact | Bio 

Earth Action Embed 

Keith Gaddis 
Ecological Conservation Program Manager 
Contact | Bio