|
Past Research 1996-2002 Summary: Understanding biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem processes in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has been a key element of Coweeta's LTER research activities. Early research emphasized the role of severe disturbance (e.g. clearcutting, drought) and the resultant impacts on nutrient, carbon, and hydrologic cycles. In the most recent past, we investigated the role of environmental heterogeneity, disturbance/stress, and their interaction in regulating ecosystem pools and processes in streams, riparian zones, and forests. The research of today includes continuation of measurements of select topics initiated and new research which builds on past studies. Our approach is to address ecosystem process response to environmental heterogeneity and disturbance/stress at several spatial scales: in plots, in watersheds, in landscapes (Coweeta basin), and in the southern Appalachian region. This will be accomplished through an integrated program of long-term field measurements, experimentation, and modeling. P-IIIA.
Stream Ecosystems |