An Earth system approach to the geology of the Eastern Mediterranean

The Eastern Mediterranean has long been studied as an example of how lithospheric plates interact, and as the site of active collision of the African and Eurasian continents. As a pivotal region in the development of western civilisation, it is also an area which records a long history of human interaction with the natural environment. It is thus an ideal location in which to study various aspects of geological and environmental evolution from an Earth Systems perspective. Earth System Science is a concept which is rapidly developing, but which has its roots in the holistic approach to Earth processes propounded by such remarkably enlightened early geologists as James Hutton. In the Earth Systems approach, we now consider the past, present and future behaviour of the whole planet, from those environments where life evolves on the surface, to the interactions between the solid Earth and its fluid carapaces (the Hydrosphere and Atmosphere), and through the mantle to the outer and inner cores. One major aim is to use our understanding to sustain an environment in which humankind and the associated biosphere might continue to flourish.