Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes

The Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes program, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports research that advances fundamental knowledge of Earth’s near-surface environment and its responses to change. This program focuses on the interplay among hydrologic, geomorphic, and geochemical processes and their role in shaping and regulating the Earth's near-surface systems. These processes are essential for understanding weathering and soil development, water availability and quality, and climate regulation, all of which contribute to natural resource sustainability and the mitigation of natural hazards. Research supported under this program investigates Earth surface processes and their complex interactions, with an emphasis on transformational discoveries in Earth Sciences. Projects are expected to advance knowledge in areas such as critical zone dynamics, water cycling, soil formation, sediment transport, and geochemical fluxes that influence environmental systems at various temporal and spatial scales. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, such as accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and non-profit, non-academic organizations, including independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies directly associated with research or educational activities. If proposals include funding for international branch campuses of U.S. institutions, applicants must provide a clear justification for why the work cannot be conducted at the U.S. campus. The program anticipates awarding approximately 80 grants with an estimated total program funding of 23,850,000 dollars. There is no specified award ceiling or floor. Proposals are accepted at any time, and cost-sharing or matching is not required. Applications must adhere to National Science Foundation submission guidelines and be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Additional details can be found in the full announcement under NSF Publication 25-519. For assistance or questions, applicants can contact NSF grants support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.