The book endorses the National Science Foundation's concept of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) for providing a nationwide network of facilities and infrastructure for ecological and environmental research that is impossible with existing infrastructure. The committee identified six grand challenges in environmental biology - biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, climate change, ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, invasive species and land and habitat use—that deserves high priority for research and needs to be addressed on a regional or continental scale. However, the book says that NEON needs a refined focus and a more detailed plan for its implementation to ensure the maximization of its contribution to science and to better fit within the purview of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction funding.
- FrontMatter
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1 The National Ecological Observatory Network
- 2 Environmental Issues of National Importance and the Role of the National Ecological Observatory Network
- 3 Concept and Implementation of the National Ecological Observatory Network
- 4 Effect of the National Ecological Observatory Network on the Scientific Community, Education, and Public Outreach
- 5 A Synthesis of Early Concepts of the National Ecological Observatory Network and a New Vision
- 6 Findings and Recommendations
- References
- Appendixes
- Appendix A Committee on the National Ecological Observatory Network Biographical Sketches
- Appendix B National Research Council Workshop on the National Ecological Observatory Network
- Appendix C Federal Agencies and Professional Societies that Voiced their Support for the National Ecological Observatory Network through the National Research Council Workshop and Web Forum
- Color Plates
Text
Audio
Adobe DRM
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