Airand

Airand is a term used in environmental science and policy to describe the interrelated systems of the atmosphere and the land surface. Often written as airand or air-and, it is not a formally codified field with a single definition; rather it serves as a conceptual umbrella for interdisciplinary work at the air–land interface. Proponents use airand to highlight the coupled processes that link atmospheric composition, weather and climate with land cover, soil properties, vegetation, and land management practices.

Key areas of focus include atmospheric deposition of pollutants and nutrients to soils and ecosystems; surface emissions from soils and vegetation; vegetation–atmosphere interactions such as transpiration and biogenic volatile organic compounds; carbon and energy exchanges between the land and the atmosphere; and the influence of land use and land-use change on local and regional air quality and climate. Methodologically, airand draws on atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, ecosystem ecology, and geographic information science.

Usage and reception: Because airand is not a standardized term, its meaning varies by discipline and region. It is sometimes used to advocate for integrated assessment and policy approaches that address air quality and land stewardship together rather than in isolation.

See also: air quality, land-use planning, carbon cycle, interface ecology.