What we do at the Centre for Earth Observation Science

Our areas of research

Researching the atmosphere

The Earth’s atmosphere is a hugely complex, multi-phase system, the chemistry of which is controlled by tiny quantities of reactive species (trace species), including oxides of nitrogen, ozone, and volatile organic compounds. Within the atmosphere research area of the Centre for Earth Observation Science, we are interested in studying the fundamental chemical processes controlling atmospheric trace composition and change. In particular we use a combination of ambient measurements, laboratory studies, environment chamber experiments and chemical modelling to study atmospheric reactivity, the oxidation mechanisms of volatile organic compounds and the formation and evolution of Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA).

Atmospheric trace species and their chemistry lie at the heart of many of our contemporary environmental issues, including poor air quality, and as such we are able to apply our study of the fundamental mechanics of the atmosphere to better understanding issues and impacts related to air pollution. Air pollution is a hugely important issue for society today, with poor air quality being responsible for an estimated 450,000 premature deaths in Europe alone, and for imposing a burden of up to €189 billion on the European economy.

Using the state-of-the-art Brighton Atmospheric Observatory (BAO), we are able to make continuous and detailed, high time-resolution observations of tropospheric and stratospheric composition and meteorological parameters, which allows us to investigate the air we breathe in the highest detail. Within the atmosphere research area of CEObS, we use BAO to continuously monitor the composition and evolution of air pollution on the south coast of the UK, between the air pollution hotspots of London and the industrialised northwest region of Europe. 

The Brighton Atmospheric Observatory (BAO), based at the University of Brighton, is part of a network of air quality data monitoring stations through which university scientists conduct research on atmospheric and environmental change.

Researching the biosphere

The last fifty years have seen a rapid and serious decline in biodiversity with almost 30 per cent of our species threatened with extinction. Changes in land and sea use, habitat loss and degradation have modified the environment to the detriment of our biodiversity. In addition, climate change is accelerating with more frequent and intense extreme weather events causing further pressure on our biosphere.

Using a combination of ecological in-field measurements, multidisciplinary remote sensing (drones and satellites) and artificial intelligence, researchers within the Centre for Earth Observation Science investigate changes in distribution of species, population and communities across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Satellite imaging technology provides dynamic tools that, combined with remotely sensed climatological or geological variables, allows a better understanding of drivers of biodiversity changes. 

Our research projects use innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to study biological diversity and ecological forecasting. More specifically, our researchers’ expertise has led to the development of biodiversity monitoring networks, the development of habitat suitability for protected and endangered species, and even using drones as anti-poaching devices.

Other fields of interest in biosphere research include distribution of invasive species, species distribution modelling, habitat fragmentation, and vegetation characteristics.    

Researching the hydrosphere and cryosphere

With more than 70 per cent of the planet covered by water and the lifeforce it sustains, it is imperative to apply the most advanced technological tools to observing our world’s oceans, coastlines and inland waters, including glaciers and ice sheets.

This research covers observations applied across all forms and locations, from mountainous regions to the deepest parts of the oceans. Researchers in the Centre for Earth Observation Science are involved in various projects addressing questions around ocean-atmosphere coupling and its control on our climate, present-day and past ice sheet stability, and our understanding of the various controls and feedback mechanisms involving global waters.

Coastal processes, sea level change, pollution, the interaction between the natural and the built environment are also focal points. We also conduct research in deep sea geomorphology and marine geohazards as well as the interaction of marine geology and associated habitats.

We use various datasets that involve laboratory studies and in-situ field investigations, participating in international ocean-going expeditions, using drones, autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, and the latest state-of-the-art instrumentation while also developing sensor technologies, and staying linked and closely collaborating with researchers across the world.

Marine geoscientist Aggeliki Georgiopoulou worked on the International Ocean Discovery Program drill ship JOIDES Resolution, sailing from Fremantle, Australia to New Zealand to explore the relationship between gas hydrate and underwater landslides. 

Researching the lithosphere

Lithospheric research within CEObs deals with all aspects of the geological investigation of the Earth's lithosphere, the planet's crust, but encompasses also the geomorphological, and surface changes measured by Earth observation technologies.

Our research ranges from observation of the geological to ecological impacts of the lithosphere on our dynamic Earth. Within geology our main fields of interest are the petrological, geochemical and geochronological characterisation of rock units of the continental crust with resource exploration, landscape analysis, sedimentary analysis, glaciology, and geophysical and remote sensing science widening our scope of expertise.

We focus on the observation of multiple scale spatial and temporal processes that range from the everyday surface erosional action occurring through common meteorological activity, to the mountain forming processes that occur over millions of years resulting from tectonic action. Employing Earth observation science techniques to improve understanding of these processes allows us to incorporate imaging technology ranging from satellites orbiting thousands of kilometres above the Earth using longwave radio waves, to in-situ visual and geophysical analysis in the field, down to lab based scenarios incorporating x-ray diffraction, amongst other techniques.

Our researchers’ expertise and knowledge of these imaging techniques, and critical in depth subject understanding, allow us to bring about greater understanding of our Earth system upon which all terrestrial life depends.

Postgraduate PhD student Gavin Leong co-authored papers with Dr Matthew Brolly on technologies and processes that reveal prehistoric carving density behind dense lichen growth at Stonehenge.

Researching the anthroposphere

Growing human population and urbanisation are exerting ever increasing pressures on Earth’s resources.  Rapid growth in global built-up areas and greater use of energy to provide better quality indoor built environment has contributed to the issues of natural resource depletion and climate change.

Within the anthroposphere theme we are interested in developing tools and techniques to help minimise anthropogenic impact on the Earth system throughout the life cycle of urban built environment assets and infrastructures.

We do this by researching innovative construction systems, efficient technologies, processes, planning and management tools and effective use of resources.

Our research projects range from understanding the impact of natural processes on built environment and developing engineering and technological solutions to reduce the impact of the built environment on the Earth.

We work in a number of interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research areas such as sustainability, environmental impact, energy efficiency and building performance, construction and project management, digital construction, housing, community, people and planning.

Our impact and outreach from the Centre for Earth Observation Science

Impact activities for CEObS focus on addressing environmental and societal challenges across all sectors, including science, policy, industry, public education, and heritage preservation.

Many of these activities are interdisciplinary; highlights include:

• Urgent monitoring work in response to DEFRA’s call for assistance looking into the impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on the atmosphere (atmosphere and anthroposphere research and policy activities)

• Data and engagement with OSPAR, the regulator for the appointment of Marine Protected Area status in areas of the high seas (hydrosphere and biosphere research activities)

• Best practice advice in mining for BHP (lithosphere and anthroposphere research and enterprise activities)

• Engineering solutions to preserve Egyptian heritage and the lives of people in surrounding sites from earthquake damage by harnessing satellite observations of deformation (anthroposphere and lithosphere research activities). 

Central to CEObS enterprise impact is sUAV (drone) consultancy for a diverse range of Earth observation applications, from topographical feature monitoring, to wild mammal mapping.

We also leverage real world impact through our state-of-the-art facilities from our geochemical laboratories equipped with portable and laboratory XRF, ICP-MS and –OES and FTIR, to our Image Analysis Suite (extending the scale of Earth observation to the microscopic level) and the Brighton Atmospheric Observatory, a community facility working with the National Centre for Atmospheric Science’s (NCAS) Atmospheric Measurement and Observations Facility (AMOF).

More details on our funded research projects can be found on our Centre for Earth Observation Science research data site.

Our research output from the Centre for Earth Observation Science

Details of research publications and other outputs fostered by the centre and achieved by its members, along with funded projects delivered by the centre, can be accessed on the centre's database of research. 

• Visit the Centre for Earth Observation Science overview page on our database

• Visit the record of our research publications and other outputs

• Visit the record of our funded research projects