As our understanding grows of how the Earth functions as a complex system of myriad interrelated mechanisms, it becomes clear that a revolutionary and novel approach is needed to study and understand it. In order to take advantage of an ever-growing number of observations and large data sets and to employ them efficiently in multidisciplinary studies aimed at solving earth system science problems, we are developing a comprehensive Solid Earth Information System (SEIS). The complex nature of the solid earth sciences raises serious challenges for geoscientists in their quest to understand the nature and the dynamic mechanisms at work in the planet. SEIS forms a first step in developing a broader and more comprehensive information system for earth system sciences designed for the needs of the geoscientists of the 21st century. In a way, SEIS is a step towards the Digital Earth. Application of SEIS to the complex tectonics of the Middle East shows that information systems are crucial in multidisciplinary research studies and open new avenues in research efforts. SEIS includes an Internet module that provides open access to anyone interested. Researchers as well as educators and students can access this knowledge and information system at http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu.