articleCommunications Earth & EnvironmentJan 8, 2026GOLD OA

On the foundations of Earth foundation models

XXXiao Xiang ZhuZXZhitong XiongYWYi WangAJAdam J. StewartKHKonrad Heidler

Munich Center for Machine Learning · Technical University of Munich

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Abstract

Abstract Foundation models have enormous potential in advancing Earth sciences. However, current approaches may not be optimal, as they focus only on a few basic features of a desirable Earth foundation model. Crafting the ideal Earth foundation model, we define eleven features which would allow such a foundation model to be beneficial for any geoscientific downstream application in an environmental- and human-centric manner. We further shed light on the way forward to achieve the ideal model and to evaluate Earth foundation models. What comes after foundation models? Energy efficient adaptation, adversarial defenses, and interpretability are among the emerging directions.

Citation impact

8
total citations
FWCI
59.33
Percentile
100%
References
108
Citations per year

Authors

10

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Foundation (evidence)
  • Earth (classical element)
  • Ideal (ethics)
  • Interpretability
  • Earth system science
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