We’re working on a new ESS website that reflects the merger of the Subsurface Biogeochemical Research and Terrestrial Ecosystem Science programs. Visit ess.science.energy.gov for a preview of the new site and check back regularly for updates and expanded content. For now, you can navigate between the current TES and SBR sites and the new ESS site using the banner at the top of each page.
Predictive Understanding of Watershed Systems. Watersheds serve as the fundamental hydrological units that connect terrestrial and aquatic systems. The overarching goal of the Subsurface Biogeochemical Research program is to advance a robust, predictive understanding of watershed function and response to perturbations as needed to address U.S. energy and environmental challenges. [Image courtesy LBNL and SLAC]
The Subsurface Biogeochemical Research (SBR) program seeks to advance a robust, predictive understanding of how watersheds function as integrated hydrobiogeochemical systems and how these systems respond to perturbations caused by changes in weather patterns, extremes, land use, water management, vegetation cover, snowmelt timing, and nutrient and contaminant release. SBR researchers are encouraged to use a systems approach to probe the multiscale structure and functioning of watersheds and to capture this understanding in mechanistic models representing both the complexities of the terrestrial subsurface and ecohydrological interactions with surface waterbodies and vegetation.
To accomplish this goal, SBR has five priority research objectives that are being pursued through a network of watershed testbeds within the contiguous United States. These objectives include:
PI-Submitted Research Highlights for Subsurface Biogeochemical Research Program
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Design for Scientists 101: A Webinar from DOE Subsurface Biogeochemical Research
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