Amendment 77: New Opportunity: A.18 Geosphere

New Program Element A.18 Geosphere solicits proposals addressing one or more of the following sub-elements:

1. Forecasting of geohazards and/or assessment of their impact on the Earth System.

   Proposals focused on this subelement may explore one or more geohazard types, and proposals that seek to characterize process-based connections between hazard cascades (for example, earthquake triggers leading to tsunami or landslides) are strongly encouraged. Proposals seeking to explore forecasting of geohazards could include volcanic deformation analyses or monitoring and modeling of pre-seismic activity. For proposals incorporating analyses of how hazards impact infrastructure or populations, proposers should seek to connect to societal impacts to align with Earth Science to Action objectives.

2. Process connections between resource extraction and deformation.

   Proposals focused on this sub-element may explore analyses between natural and anthropogenic resource extraction from subsurface reservoirs and surface deformation processes and impacts on surface geomorphic and anthropogenic processes.

3. Distribution of critical mineral deposits and relationships with crustal processes.

   Proposers to this sub-element may seek to use a range of tools to analyze or model economically-relevant critical mineral deposits. Proposers should consult the Federal Register Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals for reference. Proposals may use airborne or orbital assets for such studies. Proposals seeking to develop process-based connections between crustal processes and the locations and volumes of economically-relevant minerals are encouraged.

4. Flow of energy from core to surface.

   Proposals focused on this subelement may explore observations or models of flow of energy from the deep earth to the surface, and those that intend to connect these analyses to deeper understanding of volcanic plume structure and geochemical tracers are encouraged.

On or about October 2, 2026, ROSES-2025 Amendment 77 releases A.18 Geosphere as a new opportunity in ROSES-25. Mandatory Notices of Intent (NOIs) are due by November 16, 2026, and proposals are due January 15, 2027. Any proposal not preceded by an on-time NOI will be returned without review.

Questions concerning A.18 Geosphere may be directed to Thorsten Markus at thorsten.markus@nasa.gov.