Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes (WaLCZ) Grant

NSF

About this grant

The Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes (WaLCZ) program supports research on the Earth's near-surface environment and how that environment responds to change. The program focuses on the complex interplay amongst and between hydrologic, geomorphic, and geochemical processes and how they regulate the structure and function of the Earth's near surface. These processes drive weathering and soil development, control water availability and quality, and help regulate the Earth's climate system, all of which are important for natural resource sustainability and mitigation of natural hazards. Research funded through this program is expected to advance fundamental knowledge in Earth surface processes, leading to transformational discoveries in Earth Sciences.

Eligibility

Proposals may only be submitted by non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities, and by institutions of higher education (IHEs) including two- and four-year institutions and community colleges accredited in and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special instructions apply for international branch campuses of US IHEs, which must explain the benefits to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.

Key requirements

• ✓Research must focus on Earth surface processes: hydrologic, geomorphic, and geochemical interactions
• ✓Work must advance fundamental knowledge in how near-surface environment responds to change
• ✓Research should address weathering, soil development, water quality/availability, or climate-system regulation
• ✓Eligible applicants are typically universities and research institutions with NSF grant experience

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes (WaLCZ)?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; university, research-institution. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Water funding covers supply, sanitation, wastewater treatment, water efficiency, catchment management and flood risk. A large share is public procurement for infrastructure and services, alongside grants for innovation and access in underserved areas. Bidders and applicants are typically assessed on technical capacity, operating experience and community impact.