NASA's Earth Information System (EIS): Earth System Science for Impact

To address the most pressing Earth science research questions requires an integrated approach that advances our understanding of the interactions of the complex earth system processes between land, atmosphere and ocean. This integration requires contributions from large groups of diverse experts at a wide range of institutions, and the results of this work need to be effectively disseminated to end users. NASA's Earth Information System (EIS) is a collaborative science and applications activity that combines Earth observations and modeling capabilities to produce results that support decision-making, while adhering to open science principles. EIS is organized around five major thematic disciplines: fires, water security, agriculture, sea level change and coastal risk, and greenhouse gasses. Using a transdisciplinary approach, EIS is focused on integrating data systems, research, analysis and applications around these thematic areas, through collaborations with both internal and external partners. EIS leverages emerging cloud computing capabilities that provide researchers access to datasets from observations and models, and technologies for developing and sharing scientific results. Here, we present on the progress made within the EIS project, highlighting the aspects of growing success while reflecting on challenges and opportunities in enhancing the EIS mission. We conclude with a defined vision for future steps and the relationship between EIS and the broader Earth science research community.