landearth

Landearth is an informal term used to describe an interdisciplinary framework that treats land systems as an integrated part of Earth's coupled natural and human systems. The concept emphasizes that land surfaces, soils, vegetation, water cycles, climate, and human land use interact dynamically, and that sustainable outcomes require analysis and planning across disciplines and scales. The term blends 'land' and 'earth' to signal this interconnected perspective, though it is not yet standardized and appears in varying forms in academic and policy discussions.

Concept and scope: Landearth research focuses on the links among geomorphology, soil science, hydrology, ecology, climate, and social factors such as governance, economics, and culture. It prioritizes coupled outcomes like soil carbon storage, water security, biodiversity, erosion control, and food security within landscapes that are changing due to urbanization and climate pressures.

Methods and applications: Practitioners employ GIS, remote sensing, field measurements, ecological modeling, and participatory planning to assess land systems holistically. Applications include integrated land-use planning, watershed management, restoration of degraded landscapes, and the design of resilient urban–rural interfaces.

Criticism and outlook: Critics argue that landearth can be vague or overlapping with established terms such as land-system science or socioecological systems. Clear definitions, metrics, and case studies are needed to establish its utility. See also: land system science, planetary boundaries, sustainability science.