Radioisotopes of Carbon, and Stable isotopes of Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen

We use the stable and radio-isotopes of carbon to trace the source and turnover of carbon in aquatic systems. We are building a series of gas extraction lines capable of isolating pure carbon from DOC, DIC, CO2, and CH4 for the measurement of 14C. We can use this technique to know how long carbon has lasted in the ecosystem, moving from the atmosphere, through soils, and into the hydrologic network. Our samples span from permafrost, to under-ice lake and stream ecosystems in the boreal/arctic, to temperate and tropical systems.

Geospatial Analysis Along River Networks

Carbon dioxide concentrations along rivers in the conterminous US

We utilize large national and international databases on aquatic chemistry, in tandem with spatial data on stream, river, and lake locations to identify large-scale fluxes across ecosystem boundaries. A strong emphasis is on GIS applications for material and nutrient flows from terrestrial to aquatic environments. We emphasize the use of national and international databases to uncover the global drivers of chemical export from watersheds, while at the same time translating these findings to managers at the regional level for watershed management.

Application of Remote Sensing Products to Identify Landscape Level Changes

MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index used to evaluate seasonality across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Linking satelite-based remote sensing of landscape change is critical to understanding how water chemistry changes across the world. We emphasize the importance of bridging geospatial sciences with biogeochemistry to fully understand the impacts of anthropogenic and climate-induced changes influencing freshwater resources.

Advanced Field Sensor Systems

Our work continues to develop novel field and data analysis techniques that build on our understanding of how watersheds function within a world influenced by human land use and climate change. We work with private industry, as well as federally funded scientists to push the limits of environmental monitoring technology, knowing that as we move into the future, data science and discovery are critical to inform natural resource management.