Trans-Himalaya Earth System Science (THESS) is an online-only, open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research on the broader Third Pole region and its global influence. The journal spans all areas of Earth System science, with core themes centered on the anthroposphere, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere, as well as their interactions. Interdisciplinary and cross-sphere research is particularly encouraged. All submissions undergo rigorous and thorough peer review to ensure the highest standards of scientific quality and integrity.

THESS focuses on the Trans-Himalaya domain (also referred to as High Mountain Asia, the Third Pole or the Pan-Third Pole), including the following mountain systems: Altai, Caucasus, Hengduan Shan, Hindu-Kush-Himalaya, Karakoram, Pamir, Qilian Shan, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Tien Shan and related high-elevation regions. The journal also welcomes research examining regional and global impacts, feedbacks and teleconnections associated with the Trans-Himalaya. Research focused on other alpine regions (such as the Alps, Andes or Rockies) will only be considered if there is direct relevance or comparison to the Trans-Himalaya.  

Key thematic areas include:

• Anthroposphere: sustainable development, policy, tourism, energy, built environment, risk reduction, resource management, engineering projects, etc. 
• Atmosphere: atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, climate change, climate dynamics, meteorology, paleoclimate, extreme events, etc. 
• Biosphere: biodiversity, conservation, carbon cycling, critical zone, global change biology, ecosystem services, ecology, etc.  
• Cryosphere: glaciers, permafrost, snow, river and lake ice, glacier collapse, glacial lake outburst floods, avalanches, paleoclimate, etc. 
• Geosphere: tectonics, geochemistry, geophysics, economic geology, resources, hazards, geomorphology, etc. 
• Hydrosphere: rivers, lakes, water resources, soil moisture, groundwater, hydrogeology, etc. 
• Cross-sphere interactions. 

All submissions must provide novel insight into the Trans-Himalaya Earth System, whether through new scientific understanding, data, methods or societal relevance. All conclusions must be supported by robust, clearly presented and reproducible evidence.

To be considered for publication, manuscripts must:

• Focus on the Trans-Himalaya region or its global consequences 
• Address a clearly defined Earth System science question
• Provide original and substantive insight 
• Present conclusions supported by strong evidence