Research Task: 832798T.1.0
Task Manager: Jill Baron
Atmospheric deposition patterns of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds are changing across the U.S., with increasing N in some regions and decreasing N and S in others. Inputs of N and S cause complex responses in ecosystems, from fertilization to forest ecosystem decline, lake and stream eutrophication to acidification, loss of soil base cations, and alterations of disturbance regimes. In a cooperative effort, Colorado State University and FORT investigators have developed DayCent-Chem, a model that couples ecosystem nutrient cycling and plant dynamics with geochemical equilibrium equations. This task will refine, test, and apply the DayCent-Chem model to diverse ecosystems across the U.S. to (1) better understand biogeochemical processes related to atmospheric deposition; (2) forecast responses to changing atmospheric deposition caused by emissions reductions or increases; and (3) assist in the formulation and evaluation of new, innovative ecosystem protection approaches and benchmarks (e.g., formulation of critical loads of atmospheric N and S deposition for assessing nitrogen saturation, acidification, or eutrophication of ecosystems).
For more information contact Jill Baron
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Research/research_tasks.asp
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