About

Focus and Scope

An open access scientific journal, Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene publishes original research reporting on new knowledge of the Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems; interactions between human and natural systems; and steps that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to global change. Elementa reports on fundamental advancements in research organized into knowledge domains, embracing the concept that basic knowledge can foster sustainable solutions for society. Elementa is published on an open-access, public-good basis—available freely and immediately to the world.

Elementa welcomes the following types of manuscripts, all of which are peer reviewed:

• Research Article, presenting the results of primary scientific research and typically following the format of a traditional research paper as guided by appropriate disciplinary or field conventions;

• Review, presenting syntheses, integration of a field or topic, and conceptual advances;

• Introduction, presenting an overview or road map of a theme or project’s objectives, including initial accomplishments and original synthesis, typically submitted for Special Features;

• Policy Bridge, articles focused on bridging scientific knowledge with policy issues, policy options and recommendations, or policy analysis;

• Practice Bridge, articles focused on bridging scientific knowledge with analysis of, challenges with, or opportunities for specific engineering, social or environmental practices;

• Commentary, explanatory essays, treatises, opinion papers, and eulogies, typically invited by the Editors-in-Chief;

• Comment & Reply, items of correspondence relating to Elementa articles and promoting discussion of relevant research, typically accompanied by author responses.

Elementa actively welcomes proposals for Special Features, a set of related articles addressing themes or projects of broad interest, typically including an Introduction article or explanatory Commentary. Special Features may fall within a single knowledge domain, with the domain Editor-in-Chief responsible for the entire Special Feature, or be cross-listed under two or more domains, with the relevant Editors-in-Chief working closely together to oversee the articles. For more details, see our Special Features informational page.