Understanding Ecosystem Processes
Critical Zone
The critical zone has been described as the zone 'where rock meets life, the 'skin of the earth''. It extends from the outer limits of the vegetation canopy to the lower limits of groundwater. Chemical and physical and biological processes occurring within this zone control the development of soils and ecosystems, and sustain water and soil quality. The coupled chemical, biological, physical and geological processes operate together to support life at the Earth's surface. The Landscape Futures Program, in partnership with the Water Research Centre, is developing research projects to understand ecosystem processes within the Critical Zone.
Research projects are listed below.
| Research Topics | Additional Information | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracking nature's building blocks through the landscape | |
| 2 | Keeping an eye on the Critical Zone in the Mt Lofty Ranges |
Return to major themes page.
