Addressing the complexity of the Earth system

Biosphere can be called the 'life zone' of Earth system as it plays a vital role in a complex, integrated Earth system prediction framework. The biosphere is composed of living beings and their multi-way interaction with the geophysical and biological elements within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The development of integrated prediction systems for the seasonal-to-decadal timeframe must become a major objective of the operational prediction centers with engagement of the academic research community. It is suggested that future efforts in multidisciplinary Earth system modeling should include the development of global Earth system analysis and prediction models that account for physical, chemical, and biological processes in a coupled atmosphere-ocean-land-ice system; the development of a systematic framework that links the global climate and regionally constrained weather systems and the interactions and associated feedbacks with biogeochemistry, biology, and socio-economic drivers.