Earth system science is the science that deals with the interactions between and among subsystems, Earth's overall structure, characteristics and behavior, law and control mechanism of Earth system changes. The development of Earth observation, detection and analysis is the source of technical support of Earth sciences innovation. It plays an important role in raising the level of the basic theoretical research on Earth science. The development of Earth sciences in the 21st century will attach more importance to the development of Earth system science theories, methods and systems. New principles and technology on the analysis of Earth system were put forward as priority funding areas in Tenth Five-Year Plan period by the Department of Earth Sciences of NSFC. Reviewing funded situation in Tenth Five-Year Plan period and exploring the relationship between the area and earth system science will be conducive to adjusting and improving the work in this area in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan period.