Ecosystem Response to N and Organic C Deposition from the Urban Atmosphere
Half the world's population will live in cities by 2007, and virtually all population growth in the next 30 years will occur in urban areas. Human activities affect the environment most intensely in cities, yet a basic mechanistic understanding of ecological response to human-wrought changes in urban ecosystems is still lacking.
This NSF-funded project studies the exchange of chemical elements between land and atmosphere and asks the fundamental question: are elemental cycles in urban ecosystems qualitatively different from those in nonurban ecosystems?
Ecosystem scientists, atmospheric chemists, and biogeochemists are testing the hypothesis that distinct biogeochemical pathways result from elevated inorganic nitrogen and organic carbon deposition from atmosphere to land. They will determine the potential for biological use of human-generated, atmospheric nitrogen and organic carbon compound and identify the pathways by which these compounds enter biological systems. Researchers will:
- Examine ecosystem-level consequences of elevated deposition of the compounds
- Test alternative hypotheses to explain ecosystem response
The project applies sophisticated methods from different scientific specialties to a common problem that is close to home-the urban environment in which most humans live. In addition to conducting research, scientists are working with local decision makers, including tribal leaders, to address worsening environmental quality on the borders of rapidly expanding cities. The project also provides training for graduate and undergraduate students participating in interdisciplinary field courses and independent research.
Personnel
 Sharon Hall Principal Investigator |  Stevan Earl Co-Principal Investigator |  Nancy Grimm Co-Principal Investigator | Quincy Stewart Co-Principal Investigator |
Funding
Timeframe
April 2005 - Ongoing
Research Themes
Biodiversity and preservation of natural environmentUrbanization