2003 LTER ASM Workshops:
Original Abstracts and Workshop Reports |
| |
| Session I (Friday PM ) |
| Title: Agricultural Landscapes in Transition: Case
Studies at Six LTER Sites |
| Organizer: David
Foster |
| Key participants: Charles Redman, David Foster,
Ann Kinzig, Ted Gragson, Myron Gutmann, Ken Sylvester, Gerad Middendorf,
Len Bloomquist, and Alan Rudy |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: This interdisciplinary, cross-site project
traces the effects of the introduction, spread, and abandonment of
agriculture at six U.S. LTER sites using a variety of monitoring strategies,
quantitative modeling, and comparative data. Although agrarian transformations
represent the most pervasive alteration of the Earth's terrestrial
environment during the past 10,000 years, many conceptualizations
of these transformations assume a simple linear model, with change
driven by present-day economic, demographic, and technological conditions.
This NSF project incorporates a more integrated and long-term cycle:
of land-use change affecting landscapes, of altered landscapes affecting
ecological processes, and of both influencing the ways in which humans
monitor and respond to their surroundings, engendering further cycles
of change. This workshop will feature narrative case studies from
the six sites, a first step for identifying the prime determinants
of long-term dynamics, present-day patterns, and reservoirs of ecological
and social resilience. The case studies will describe the geophysical,
environmental, and biological settings; pre-European context and dynamics;
social, technological, and ecological drivers of agricultural and
land-use change; cross-scale interactions over time; and the influence
of legacies in social and ecological response. The cross-scale data
collection and analyses are expected to demonstrate that some patterns
of human-ecological interactions are surprisingly long term, vary
across space and time, and are non-linear. |
| |
| Title: Applications of Artificial Intelligence
to Embedded Sensor Networks and Their Data |
| Organizer: Paul
Hanson |
Key participants: Paul Hanson, Tony Fountain, Yu
Hen Hu, Deana Pennington |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Recent advances in embedded sensing systems
allow us to gather ecosystem data at rates greater than ever before.
To take full advantage of embedded sensing systems, we often raise
sampling to frequencies adequate for capturing the spatio-temporal
dynamics of the ecosystem phenomenon in question. However, the increased
sampling frequency creates a number of challenges, including (1) demands
on embedded system power that cannot be maintained for prolonged periods,
and (2) data densities that cannot be analyzed with adequate rapidity
using traditional techniques. Some of the analysis issues apply to
remotely sensed data as well. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides
many promising techniques that can be applied to the problems identified
above. Specifically, algorithms can be used to detect driving events
of interest, and then adjust the sampling frequency in response variables
to optimize both data collection and sensor system power consumption.
Inherent spatio-temporal correlations among sensors in the embedded
system allow for a coordinated approach to sampling that reduces the
number of sensors that must be active at all times. For analyzing
the resulting large data sets, pattern recognition algorithms allow
for the detection of phenomena in the data, even when the system is
controlled by a complex collection of seemingly random connections
and occurrences. AI techniques also can be used for making decisions
based on a combination of "expert knowledge" and the data in-hand.
Through this workshop, we intend to meet a number of goals. (1) Present
a variety of AI techniques, ranging from simple to complex. (2) Describe
real-world applications of AI being used in ecosystems analyses for
sensor networks and a remote sensing system. (3) Show how the application
of AI can improve the performance of embedded sensor networks. (4)
Organize an inter-site working group to develop additional applications
of AI at interested LTER member sites. |
| |
| Title: Communities and populations in space and
time: practices, patterns, and potential causes |
| Organizer: Dawn
Kaufman |
| Key participants: Co-organizers: Donald W. Kaufman,
Glennis A. Kaufman |
| Workshop Report - No Report
Available |
| Abstract: Data from the LTER network provide a
unique opportunity to monitor biodiversity and examine organismal
responses to change. This workshop focuses on community- and population-level
patterns (e.g., richness and abundance, respectively) in a spatial
and temporal context, description and comparison of the magnitude
and pattern of variability and structure that exist, and assessment
of potential underlying causes (e.g., precipitation, temperature,
soil moisture, habitat structure, productivity) of patterns. Included
are opportunities for more application-oriented research presentations
related to diversity, the environment, and conservation, such as the
understanding of community assembly as well as responses to large-scale
and small-scale environmental change (e.g., global warming and habitat
fragmentation, respectively). We anticipate a focus on terrestrial
animal taxa, but also would like to include plant and aquatic taxa
in order to facilitate a true synthesis of pattern and process that
transcends taxonomic boundaries and system barriers. Overall, we would
like to assess (1) potential data for cross-site comparisons, (2)
general correlative links that suggest potential mechanisms or areas
to pursue (e.g., whether productive sites are more or less variable),
and (3) whether general patterns exist with regard to magnitude and
cause of temporal and spatial variability in populations and variability
and structure of communities. Further, we encourage participation
by any interested researchers, as well as representatives from interested
sites, in a general assessment of current research results and dialogue
about future synthesis and collaboration. Discussion could include
consideration of the need for future initiatives to augment site-specific
study of communities and populations. |
| |
| Title: Controls on Sediment Organic Matter Accumulation:
Comparisons Among Wetlands |
| Organizer: Linda
Blum |
| Key participants: Linda Blum, Chris Craft, Jim
Morris, Bob Christian, Chuck Hopkinson |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The objective of this workshop will be
to examine controls on wetland sediment organic matter (SOM). There
are dramatic differences in wetland SOM that can not be explained
by the commonly cited environmental factors including low temperatures,
availability of electron acceptors, availability of nutrients, organic
carbon quality, and/or the presence of inhibitors thought to be responsible
for organic matter accumulation. Activities at this workshop will
focus on synthesis of sediment data sets from the participant?s LTER
sites and several other long-term study sites with the objective of
formulating testable hypotheses to serve as the basis for collaborative
research among interested LTER sites. A portion of the workshop will
be devoted to discussion of a draft manuscript generated by this working
group based on discussions at the last LTER All Scientists Meeting
and a workshop in 2001. |
| |
| Title: Current and Future LTER Research on Invasive
Species Issues |
| Organizer: Timothy
Seastedt |
| Key participants: Alan Knapp, William Lauenroth,
Mendy Smith |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Public interest groups and policy makes
have identified species invasions as an issue of environmental and
economic concern. Invasive species questions were identified in the
2002 20-yr LTER review and 2003 Coordination Committee meeting as
important components of an emerging network-wide scientific initiative.
The LTER program is preadapted to provide the research that can identify
the mechanisms and drivers of species change. Nonindigeous species
questions are nested within the larger framework of issues involving
the causes and consequences of biotic change. Integrated, cross-site
research efforts can be nested within experimental and descriptive
efforts focused at understanding causes and consequences of biodiversity,
succession, restoration, and role of biota in global environmental
change. Presentations will center on new results from LTER sites on
patterns and causal mechanisms of invasions, and tests of ecosystem
invasibility. These will be followed by a discussion that will examine
a) Mark Davis's (BioSci. 2003) hypotheses as foci for ongoing and
new LTER efforts and b) explore ways to conduct invasive species research
within the broader framework of LTER programs involved in the analysis
of species change. |
| |
| Title: Designing a network of hydrologic observatories |
| Organizer: Richard
Hooper |
| Key participants: Rick Hooper, Diane McKnight,
LTER hydrologists |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The Consortium of Universities for the
Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) has been awarded
a grant by the National Science Foundation to develop a prototype
of a hydrologic observatory for the Neuse River basin in North Carolina.
The fundamental concept behind these observatories is to develop a
coherent, multidisciplinary data base embracing the entire hydrologic
cycle (including the atmosphere) describing three fundamental characteristics
of river basins: flowpaths of water among the various stores (e.g.,
groundwater, unsaturated zone, streams, lakes, atmospheric boundary
layer) of the basin, residence time spectra of water within the stores,
and fluxes of water, sediment, nutrients, and contaminants across
interfaces between the stores. The nominal size of hydrologic observatories
is planned to be 10,000 km2 and will include human-modified as well
as natural areas. We believe that such a characterization will be
useful not only to advance hydrologic science, but will also be useful
to ecologists, geomorphologists, and biogeochemists. We also believe
that significant cost savings can be achieved by coordinating these
studies within observatories to obtain a much more complete characterization
by multiple methods than can typically be done by individual investigators.
We are seeking comments on our draft design that can be included in
the final report, scheduled to be released in December, 2003. |
| |
| Title: Developing collaborations among scientists,
graduate students, and educators for LTER education |
| Organizer: Timothy
Parshall |
| Key participants: Tim Parshall, Marty Green, Charlene
Saltz |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: One of the goals for LTER sites is to
develop education outreach programs that bring scientists, graduate
students, and educators together to enhance the teaching of ecology
in K12 schools. Several collaborative programs of this kind are already
underway and many more are developing, a trend that will likely continue
and require scientists and educators to be able to work together effectively.
The goal of this working group is to identify the challenges and successes
of working with a diverse education team and to encourage development
of joint projects both within and across LTER sites. In addition to
highlighting ongoing education programs at LTER sites, we will also
discuss frequently encountered issues such as planning and running
teacher workshops, merging science and pedagogy, and working directly
with K12 teachers and students. |
| |
| Title: Information Technology for the Decade of
Synthesis: Tools for Data Synthesis in the Present and the Future |
| Organizer: Todd
Ackerman |
| Key participants: Todd Ackerman (NWT), Ken Ramsey
(JRN), Peter McCartney (CAP) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The Decade of Synthesis will require
the LTER Network to integrate diverse data sets from individual site-based
research programs in order to foster cross-site studies. The focus
of this workshop will be on tools that are currently being developed
to aid in such integration as well as on desires for future products.
We will explore data integration methods through formal presentations
of current synthesis research, tools in development, and the needs
for future products. Round table discussions will follow the presentations
to solicit researcher needs. Presentations: 1) Greg Newman, Natural
Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University. "Hand-crafted
Data Management: IT Tools Built to Last" 2) Wade Sheldon, GCE LTER.
"Software tools for automated metadata creation, metadata-mediated
data processing and quality control analysis -- real-time processing
solutions for real-time data" 3) Chad Berkley, NCEAS. "Tools for Creating
and Executing Scientific Workflows" 4) Corinna Gries/Peter McCartney,
CAP LTER. "Southwest Environmental Informaton Network: Using EML to
mediate data discover, access and visualization" |
| |
| Title: Methods of determining denitrification rates
in lotic ecosystems |
| Organizer: Walter
Dodds |
| Key participants: Stuart Findlay, David Graham,
Eric Strauss, Pat Mulholland, Jimmy McCutchen, Walter Dodds |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Eutrophication of rivers and streams
and downstream receiving waters depends in part upon N transport through
rivers and streams. If nitrate is denitrified, it is removed from
the ecosystem and not transported downstream. Measuring denitrification
in flowing waters is difficult because heterogeneity interferes with
efforts to scale up results from small incubations to whole ecosystem
rates. Several potential methods exist to measure denitrification.
1) Acetylene-block incubations where the accumulation of N2O indicates
denitrification, 2) whole stream releases of 15NO3- and subsequent
measurement of rate of formation of 15N2O and 15N2, 3) Measurement
of supersaturation of N2 with membrane inlet mass spectrometry and
subsequent calculation of denitrification rates with equations similar
to those used to compute whole-stream metabolism from O2 flux data,
and 4) Molecular methods to assess expression of genes for denitrification.
The strengths and weaknesses of each method will be discussed in short
presentations, and a subsequent discussion will be used to coordinate
a cross-site research strategy aimed toward design of critical tests
of the various methods. The aim is to ultimately provide rationale
for which denitrification method or methods to employ that will allow
comparison across streams in different biomes and land uses. |
| |
| Title: Nitrogen Budgeting at LTERs: Relation to
Carbon Sequestration |
| Organizer: Herman
Sievering |
| Key participants: Bill Munger (HFR), Jed Sparks
(HBR): Co-organizers, and at least one person from all other LTERs |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Application of ecosystem research for
carbon policy formulation requires that fundamental ecosystem processes
be characterized at appropriate scales of resolution and with known
degrees of confidence. A key example is attribution of the large North
American C sink. Eastern US forest re-growth and potential enhanced
growth due to atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is often mentioned
as a major factor in this attribution. Atmospheric N is present in
both reduced and oxidized states and may be deposited directly to
foliage or to underlying soils. This variability complicates our ability
to quantify the impact of atmospheric N deposition on C sequestration
at terrestrial ecosystems. For example, N deposition retained in the
canopy of spruce stands accounts for only 5% to as much 40% of annual
N growth requirement. Nitrogen deposition may have a chronic effect
on terrestrial ecosystems. Long-term measurements are a key to extracting
trends in carbon accumulation from inherent variability. The goals
of this workshop are: a) Evaluate existing data on N and C cycling
at LTER sites to compare atmospheric and soil inputs of N as well
as N reallocation, evidence of foliar N assimilation, and relationships
between N inputs and C sequestration; b) Provide a framework for further
investigation and synthesis using existing LTER data sets; c) Formulate
testable hypotheses and identify critical data gaps that will serve
as a guide for future LTER cross-site research. |
| |
| Title: Planning for LTER Synthesis |
| Organizer: John
Hobbie |
| Key participants: John Hobbie, Robert Waide, Nancy
Grimm, Dan Childers, Hugh Ducklow, Ted Gragson, Marc Stieglitz |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: The LTER program is beginning a decade
of synthesis. The goal is to use the network of sites to create general
knowledge through the synthesis of information gained from long-term
research and development of theory. At the workshop we will continue
a planning process by involving a larger community to discuss the
draft and add additional questions for synthesis. The plan identifies
four steps: 1. Develop intellectual capital and culture for addressing
knowledge that serves science and society. What improvements will
train students for synthesis? How can we involve non-LTER and non-ecological
scientists in synthesis? 2. Develop generalizable concepts for synthesis.
A series of workshops is needed with scientists working at different
scales, systems, and processes. What is the size and scale of synthetic
projects for LTER? 3. Identify and overcome logistical barriers to
synthesis. How can scientist?s time be freed up for synthesis? What
gaps are there in our understanding, data on parameters, models, and
instrumentation to answer the various questions? How can we obtain
regional data at scales larger than an LTER site? 4. Provide comparable
data sets from many sites. What data sets are needed for each synthesis
project? |
| |
| Title: Planning the Post-LIDET World of Intersite
Decomposition Studies |
| Organizer: Mark
Harmon |
| Key participants: Mark Harmon |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: This workshop will first discuss the
major findings of the LIDET (Long-term Intersite Decomposition Experiment
Team) study and current plans for analysis of the resultant data at
NCEAS. The bulk of the workshop will turn to a discussion of possible
follow up experiments to LIDET. This would include of expansion of
other experiments in other regions that test similar hypotheses or
entirely new types of hypotheses. Several possibilities, some of which
were discussed at the last All-Scientists meeting in Snowbird, include:
1) an examination of decomposition and nitrogen dynamics of the so-called
stable phase of decomposition, 2) site- versus network level responses
to temperature, 3) year-to-year variability in decomposition rates
within the LTER network, and 4) influences of biota on decomposition.
The goal of this workshop would be to select one or more of these
hypotheses, identify sites interested in participating in field tests
and leaders to pursue funding opportunities. |
| |
| Title: Promoting LTER in the East-Asia Pacific
region |
| Organizer: Hen-biau
King |
| Key participants: Alan Covich, Steve Hamburg, Eun-Shik
Kim, Hen-Biau King, Shidong Zhao |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Recent demographic, political, economic,
and environmental trends in Asia make clear the need for LTER and
related studies in the region. The East-Asian Pacific (EAP) LTER network
was formally established in 1995. This network encompasses a diverse
range of ecosystems, from larch forests to mangrove estuaries. Under
the ILTER framework, four biannual conferences and several training
workshops have been held. This workshop will begin with a review of
past and current LTER studies within the region and then focus on
promoting more collaborative projects within the region and beyond.
Emphasis will be on the design of and effectively conducting regional
ecological studies. A discussion of future proposed regional activities,
funding sources, and priorities for the EAP will be held. |
| |
| Title: SNOW AND ECOSYSTEMS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE:
From pole to pole and mountains to the sea |
| Organizer: Mark
Williams |
| Key participants: Peter Groffman, Mark Williams,
others being contacted |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: Snow properties (depth, duration, meltout)
respond in a non-linear fashion to changes in climate. Moreover, soil
and air temperatures in many snow-covered ecosystems are near 0 degrees
C. Consequently, the response of ecosystems to changes in snow properties
may be both larger than expected in magnitude and in a counter-intuitive
direction. For example, less snowfall in the NE may result in colder
soil temperatures. A warming climate may result in colder air temperatures
in Antarctica. Warming air temperatures in the Arctic may result in
more snowfall, increased soil temperatures above that caused by increased
air temperture, and hence a larger increase than expected in the active
layer of permafrost zones. Goals of the workshop include: (a) a short
report summarizing activities along thematic lines; and (b) development
of a cross-site proposal. |
| |
| Title: The Canopy Database Project:: An Informatics
Resource for LTER IMs and Researchers |
| Organizer: Nalini
Nadkarni, Judy Cushing |
| Key participants: Nalini Nadkarni, Judy Cushing,
Kristin Vanderbilt, Ken Ramsey, Jonathan Walsh, Nicole Caplan, Eda
Melendez |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The management, analysis, and visualization
of forest canopy data require specialized database tools that can
be extended to broader ecological applications. In 1997, a group of
forest canopy researchers and computer scientists created the Canopy
Database Project to create informatics tools that would enhance the
capacity of canopy researchers to manage their data at all stages
of the research process. We have categorized canopy structure into
a system with a finite number of "canopy space descriptors". This
provides a framework to work at multiple spatial scales and facilitates
cross-site comparison of forest structure. We have also developed
a number of database design components, aka templates for efficient
handling of complex data for data analysis and visualization. In May
2003, as a proof-of-concept activity, a two-day workshop with five
LTER Information Managers, suggested novel cross-site comparisons
and syntheses. In this workshop, we describe our database, which is
comprised of forest structure/function studies from multiple PIs.
We will also demonstrate our database tools, which include DataBank(a
tool for database design) and CanopyView (a tool for data visualization).
We will discuss potential uses of these software tools by LTER researchers
and Information Managers, and determine what needs to be done to make
these more useful to the larger ecological community. |
| |
| Session II (Saturday AM) |
| Title: Accounting for Ecosystem Services within
the LTER network |
| Organizer: Matthew
Wilson |
| Key participants: Bob Costanza, Steve Carpenter,
Dan Childers, J. Morgan Grove, Ted Gragson, Steve Hamburg, Craig Harris,
Chuck Hopkinson. |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: This workshop will bring together a group
of LTER scientists to assess the emerging role of ecosystem service
valuation within the LTER "synthesis science" research agenda. An
ecosystem service, by definition, contains "the conditions and processes
through which natural ecosystems and the species that make them up,
sustain and fulfill human life" (Daily 1997). By identifying and accounting
for ecosystem services within the LTER network, we anticipate that
important social and economic benefits associated with LTER research
that otherwise might remain hidden might be revealed. One explicit
goal of the workshop is to solicit ideas for revising and resubmitting
a biocomplexity research proposal to the National Science Foundation
to study ecosystem services across selected LTER sites. Among other
things, the group members may also choose to write a follow-up manuscript/white
paper developing a conceptual framework for describing and measuring
ecosystem services within the LTER network. The experiences facilitated
by this workshop should ultimately prove very useful not only to group
participants but to all scientists, students and policy makers associated
with LTER. Better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystem services,
their value in supporting human well-being, and their effective management
across this spectrum has the potential for making a substantial contribution
to science and society. |
| |
| Title: Biological and Environmental Infrastructure:
Science Needs, Infrastructure Opportunities, and Political Challenges
and Realities |
| Organizer: William
Michener |
| Key participants: Elizabeth Blood (NSF), Scott
Collins (SEV), Adrienne Froelich (AIBS), Jeff Goldman (AIBS), Bruce
Hayden (VCR), William Michener (NET), Cliff Gabriel (Office of Science
and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President) |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: The scientific and societal problems
addressed by the LTER Network and our colleagues in the ecological
and environmental sciences are formidable, requiring concerted long-term
study by scientists from many disciplines employing state-of-the-art
technologies and infrastructure. Within the research community, concensus
is emerging that our scientific infrastructure is inadequate for addressing
many of our most complex and challenging long-term and broad-scale
problems. NEON has been proposed as one mechanism for addressing this
technological inadequacy. What are the capabilities of our science
with or without NEON? How do we better mobilize support for the infrastructure
needed for ecology and the environmental sciences? What are alternatives
and follow-ups to NEON? These and many other questions will be addressed
by a panel of distinguished experts. First, Bruce Hayden (the Godfather
of NEON) will assess the scientific community?s infrastructure needs.
Second, Scott Collins will discuss many of the challenges and opportunities
associated with acquiring the technologies for ecology. Third, Jeffrey
Goldman will summarize past, present and future activities of the
AIBS Committee for Infrastructure for Biology at Regional to Continental
Scales. Fourth, Elizabeth Blood from NSF will address current and
future plans for supporting the infrastructure underpinning the ecological
and environmental sciences. Fifth, Adrienne Froelich will outline
many of the political realities associated with infrastructural development
based on her experiences as Director of Public Policy at AIBS. In
the final presentation, Cliff Gabriel from the Office of Science and
Technology Policy will examine political challenges associated with
enhancing environmental biology research and infrastructure. A moderated
roundtable discussion will serve to conclude the workshop by identifying
where we go from here and how do we best get there. |
| |
| Title: Comprehensive Databases to Link Molecular
Survey and Environmental Data |
| Organizer: Bradley
Stevenson |
| Key participants: James Hollibaugh (GCE), Jorge
Rodrigues (KBS) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Molecular surveys of microbial communities
are a first step in understanding an ecosystem, and the data generated
can be of great value when it is linked to information about the environment
from which it came. Molecular surveys at many LTER sites represent
a large amount of sequence data that is linked to many of the best-studied
biomes on the planet. This workshop will facilitate a discussion of
the value of such a database, its structure, and the types of data
that could and should be linked to molecular sequence data. A phylogenetically
linked database would also be a useful place to store genomic data
from large-insert clone libraries (i.e. BAC and fosmid libraries)
derived from microbial communities. A standardized database would
provide the structure to make molecular survey data from each LTER
site readily available and also facilitate cross-site investigations
of community structure and function. |
| |
| Title: Coupled Biophysical-human systems: Identifying
Key Processes, and Relevant Temporal and Spatial Scales |
| Organizer: Steve
Garman, F. Chapin |
| Key participants: Amy Lovecraft, Denise Lach, Morgan
Grove, Charles Redman, Steve Carpenter |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Empirical evidence strongly indicates
that neither biophysical or social systems operate in a simply additive
manner. Under certain conditions, interactions between patterns and
processes in biophysical systems and among social groups in human
systems give rise to emergent behaviors within each system. Non-linear
interactions between biophysical and human systems further promote
complex, system-level behaviors. Understanding the conditions that
give rise to emergent behaviors is thus critical to understanding
the causes of stability or abrupt change in coupled biophysical-human
systems. This workshop will provide a forum for discussing approaches
to understanding complex behaviors within and between biophysical
and human systems. Directed discussions will focus on determining
key processes of coupled biophysical-human systems, temporal and spatial
scales of processes, integration across scales and disciplines, data
sources and needs, and empirical and synthetic methods for exploring
behaviors of complex systems. The principal goals of this workshop
are to stimulate discussion on the concepts and methods of coupled
biophysical-human systems research, and on the current and future
role of LTER science in this area of research. Examples of current
and proposed methods for researching complex behaviors will be highlighted
as a means to stimulate discussion. Participation by human-system
scientists is highly encouraged to ensure balanced discussions. |
| |
| Title: Disturbance and Variance: Detecting change
in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems |
| Organizer: James
Rusak |
| Key participants: Co-organizers: Monica Turner,
and Jennifer Fraterrigo |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Populations, communities, and ecosystems
vary in space and time. Variability is a fundamental property of natural
systems, and its quantification and interpretation cross boundaries
between many different disciplines. However, our understanding of
how the temporal and spatial variability of ecological properties
responds to disturbance is incomplete. Ecologists typically focus
on changes in the mean to characterize system response to disturbance,
but this may result in the loss of considerable information about
the response. How often do perturbations affect system variability?
Is altered variance a useful metric for detecting either direct effects
or legacies of disturbance? What are the best approaches to detect
changes in variability at different spatial and temporal scales or
levels of organization? Given the wide variety of natural and anthropogenic
disturbances occurring at LTER sites (e.g., hurricanes, drought, fire,
eutrophication, exotic invasions, and land-use change) and the broad
range of ecological characteristics measured, our network is ideally
suited to address such issues. The workshop will consist of a set
of introductory talks followed by a dialogue on the issues, techniques,
and available datasets. The primary goal is to encourage discussion
and develop a network of sites interested in pursuing cross-site research
and synthetic papers on this topic. INVITED SPEAKER: Pierre Legendre |
| |
| Title: Facilitating collaborative research opportunities
for graduate students |
| Organizer: Tiffany
Gann |
| Key participants: Rob Daoust, graduate student
committee representatives |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Several recommendations put forth by
the LTER 20-year review committee involve enhanced levels of funding
"for achieving 21st century biology and synthesis science". To facilitate
this goal, members of the graduate student committee will draft a
plan to create strategies and identify budgetary needs to support
graduate student collaborative research. The primary aim of this plan
is to provide travel support for students to acquire new research
methodologies being implemented at other LTER sites to be utilized
in their own graduate research. Under this plan, PhD candidates would
also have the opportunity to apply for small travel grants enabling
them to incorporate other LTER or ILTER sites into their research.
These and other suggestions will be discussed and amended for consideration
as a component of the LTER Strategic Plan. |
| |
| Title: Historical trends in land use/land cover:
data and implications |
| Organizer: Jonathan
Chipman |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: Changing land use/land cover patterns
represent a significant ecological forcing factor at many LTER sites.
This working group will compare and discuss approaches to developing
long-term data on historical land use change and assessing the impacts
of change. Topics for discussion include technical and conceptual
aspects of projects for monitoring land use change (e.g., mapping
protocols, classification systems, accuracy assessment); results from
land use change studies; and implications of these results. The working
group?s format will consist of a set of talks, followed by a substantial
discussion period. The principal goal is to share expertise within
the LTER community; those who are considering projects to map and
analyze historical land use change, and those who have already undertaken
such projects at their sites, are encouraged to participate. Potential
results from this working group would include a cross-site web page
containing summary information and links to land use change pages
at individual sites, and/or a journal article. |
| |
| Title: Information Technology for the Decade of
Synthesis: LTER Partners and Projects - Leveraging Resources and Metadata
to Meet a Common Goal |
| Organizer: Jonathan
Walsh |
| Key participants: Tony Fountain (SDSC), Ken Ramsey
(JRN), J. Morgan Grove (USDA Forest Service), Charlie Schweik (UMass
AmherstIt), Peter Arzberger (SDSC), Barbara Benson (NTL), Dylan Keon
(NACSE), Susan Stafford (U. of Minnesota), Judith Cushing (Evergreen
College), Dave Vieglais (Species Analyst) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: One of the greatest challenges facing
the LTER Network is how to foster cross-site and cross-disciplinary
synthesis. This workshop focuses on existing and potential partnerships
being developed between the LTER Network and other organizations to
help researchers in performing cross-site synthesis. These partnerships
help members distribute and share resources and minimize duplicated
efforts for solutions to common problems encountered. This workshop
highlights some of the current partnerships and projects as well as
potential partnerships that could be created in the future to support
synthesis. Presentations: An Open Research System for Collaboration
and Synthesis in Long Term Ecological Research - Morgan Grove Pacific
Rim Application and Grid Middleware Assembly (PRAGMA) - Peter Arzberger
Web Services for Computational Ecology - Tony Fountain Species Analyst
- Dave Veiglais The Canopy Databank - Judith Cushing Link to abstracts:
http://beslter.org/asm_2003_abstracts.html |
| |
| Title: Integration in Eco-hydrology |
| Organizer: Julia
Jones, Kevin McQuire, Georgianne Moore |
| Key participants: Barbara Bond, Kevin McGuire,
Georgianne Moore (AND); Nathan Phillips (HFR); Alan Yeakley, Bruce
Haines (CWT); Steve Pennings (GCE); Alan Covich (LUQ); Sherry Mitchell-Bruker
(FCE); Iris Anderson, Jen Wu Stanhope (VCR) and others TBD |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Eco-hydrology addresses the many linkages
between water and ecosystem processes. The objectives of our workshop
are to: (1) compare how the hydrologic cycle is coupled with ecological
processes (NPP, carbon exchange, N cycling, etc.) across a range of
contrasting ecosystem types (forests, scrub/desert, marine/tidal,
urban, freshwater, snow and ice), and (2) forge small groups of researchers
interested in pursuing inter-site eco-hydrology projects. The workshop
will be in two parts, involving scientists and graduate students from
as many LTER sites as possible. In the first part of the morning,
invited 5-minute (3-overheads-worth) presentations will represent
a particular discipline (e.g. biogeochemistry, eco-physiology, forest
ecology, hydrology) and its relationship to ecohydrology, emphasizing
how eco-hydrologic processes of interest to that discipline may vary
across various ecosystems. Presenters represent forested, coastal,
desert, grassland, snow and ice, and urban ecosystems. The second
part of the morning will be a working session to plan future eco-hydrology
research, specifically to identify topics and corresponding investigators,
sites, and experiments to be undertaken by workshop participants.
Research will be designed to test hypotheses about the effects of
hydrology on ecosystem processes, and vice-versa. We welcome participants
at all levels of engagement with eco-hydrology. Graduate student presentations
and participation are strongly encouraged. Contact Julia Jones if
you wish to present. |
| |
| Title: LTER Education Outreach |
| Organizer: Steven
McGee |
| Key participants: Sonia Ortega, Jess Zimmerman,
Schoolyard LTER organizers at each site |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: This workshop will bring together the
members coordinating educational activities at each LTER site. Participants
will * share their experiences with the Schoolyard LTER program. *
discuss ways that the Schoolyard LTER program can leverage from the
GLOBE program and the Journey to El Yunque web site. * identify avenues
for developing shared resources on teaching basic life concepts. |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative I. Altered water and nutrient cycles: |
| Organizer: Karen
McGlathery |
| Key participants: Chris Madden, Dave Rudnick |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: How will future changes in land-use/land cover affect
water quality and quantity at large spatial/temporal scales, and how
will this affect ecological and socioeconomic patterns and processes?
What are the ecological responses to increases in vigor of the hydrological
cycle (e.g., more rainfall, more cloudiness, suppressed temperature
extremes)? How has human alteration of biogeochemical cycles changed
ecosystem pattern and process? Have changes in biogeochemical cycles
affected human use and perception of natural ecosystems? What is the
role of climate variability on the biogeochemistry of forested catchments?
What implications do land use and land cover change have for biogeochemical
fluxes in LTER Regions? |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative II. Biodiversity Losses |
| Organizer: Melinda
Smith, David Foster |
| Key participants: Melinda Smith |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: What controls microbial diversity? What are the patterns
of soil, sediment, and aquatic biodiversity across gradients? Is the
effect of biodiversity on ecosystem function scale dependent or invariant?
What effect do long-term changes in biodiversity have on community-level
assembly and responses? Can we identify core species in a given ecosystem
a priori? What are the long-term ecosystem and biogeochemical effects
of removing an important species from an entire watershed/landscape?
|
| |
| Title: Network ecology, its applications to LTER,
and the search for universal rules |
| Organizer: Robert
Christian |
| Key participants: Bob Christian, Alan Covich, Jim
Morris, Daryl Moorhead, Todd Crowl |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Connections among components of ecosystems
may be viewed as having the structure of a network. The flows that
link components may be energy and matter (e.g., associated with food
webs, elemental cycles or even water traveling down rivers) or information
(e.g., associated with human or non-human interactions). But do ecological
networks involving communication of different flows have common characteristics?
This question has been addressed recently with some successful resolve,
but the number of examples for empirical testing of universality has
been limited. The LTER program has the potential to expand the diversity
of networks for examination. This workshop is designed to synthesize
results of LTER activities and other selected studies. It builds on
several recent cross-site workshops on network analysis. A series
of workshops was previously organized through the auspices of the
LTER Network Office and the NSF Biocomplexity Initiative. We present
results from these workshops and other studies that exemplify the
diversity of ecological networks. The purpose of the workshop is four-fold
to: (1) assess the status of activities in network ecology from these
recent workshops, (2) assess the status of similar activities in other
ecosystems, (3) continue development of a manuscript based on previous
workshops, and (4) begin development of plans for future activities
(e.g., proposals, workshops, manuscripts). We encourage participation
of those who attended previous workshops, who have been involved in
other network ecology studies, and who wish to learn more about the
discipline. |
| |
| Title: Predicting species responses to increased
resource availability |
| Organizer: Katharine
Suding |
| Key participants: Steven Pennings, Daniel Milchunas,
Christopher Clark, Laura Gough, Katherine Gross, Scott Collins |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: When a N-limited system is fertilized,
productivity increases and diversity generally declines, a pattern
that many experiments at LTER sites demonstrate. This working group
will address plant species responses related to this diversity-productivity
shift: what functional groups increase in relative abundance, what
species are lost, and how community structure and system characteristics
interact with these changes. The workshop's format will consist of
a limited series of talks followed by substantial discussion periods
concerning conceptual frameworks and specific data analysis/modeling
issues. The principle goals of this workshop will be to foster communication
among scientists working on issues concerning species-resource dynamics
and to advance an ongoing synthesis effort of N-addition experiments
across LTER sites. |
| |
| Title: Temporal variability: An intersite comparison
of several key aspects. |
| Organizer: Mark
Harmon; Timothy Kratz |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Although the LTER network was established
to examine long-term temporal trends, there has been surprisingly
little comparison of key facets of temporal variability across sites.
Aspects of temporal variability such as lags, modulation, and temporal
cohesion (i.e., synchrony) are essential to understand to properly
scale results both in time and well as space. However, to date more
attention has been placed on understanding how to scale in space (probably
driven by LTER regionalization efforts) than in time. Past intersite
comparison may have been limited by lack of similar records at sites.
The pioneering work of John Magnuson and others indicates that relative
temporal variation allows a very diverse set of variables to be compared.
This workshop will review results from Andrews and North Temperate
Lakes on some of these phenomena and then start a discussion on how
widely they occur and if there are any general mechanisms that will
lead to general scaling rules that can be applied broadly. |
| |
| Session III (Saturday PM) |
| Title: Ecosystem Modifications of Carbon Sequestration
and Greenhouse Gas Evolution by Soil Aggregates at LTER Sites |
| Organizer: Alvin
Smucker |
| Key participants: Stuart Grandy, Heather Dopp,
Eun-Jin Park, and others being contacted |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Inter and intra-aggregate porosities
influence many ecosystem processes by controlling influx and efflux
rates of soil solutions containing nutrients, soluble carbon and nitrogen
compounds, microbial communities, and soil gases. This working group
will identify and discuss mechanisms within soil aggregates that could
be used for cross comparison of C sequestration and GHG production
at multiple LTER sites having a range of soil types and ecosystem
management programs. The working group will also discuss biogeochemical
processes that enhance the sequestration of C with lower risks of
increasing GHG production. Workshop goals include the identification
of: 1) best parameters for quantifying increased quantities and durations
of soil C sequestration, 2) best management practices for reducing
GHG production, 3) collaborating LTER sites. Projected products from
the working group include the development and publication of soil
structure methods beyond the LTER book, Standard Soil Methods for
Long-Term Ecological Research. It is anticipated these methods and
guidelines will be published in several professional journals. Discussion
topics: 1) Identify rapid response methods for quantifying changes
in soil C and GHG changes in soil. 2) Rapid analyses of active organic
pools in soils. 3) Identification of soil aggregate fractions for
best evaluation of GHG emissions. 4) Mechanical and hydraulic evaluations
of soil aggregates 5) Rapid evaluations of C accumulations and bacterial
communities in soil aggregates. |
| |
| Title: Experimental design in the LTER network:
incorporating the human element |
| Organizer: Diane
Hope |
| Key participants: Steve Carpenter, Scott Collins,
Peter Groffman, Chris Martin, Ann Kinzig, William Cook, William Freudenburg |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The workshop will focus on experimental
designs that incorporate the human element,including field plots,
but also other approaches such as large-scale management experiments
and social-science designs for addressing ecosystem change. The main
aims will be: i) To synthesize existing approaches to experimental
design across the LTER network, identify common methodologies & approaches,
so as to draw up guidelines to inform new experimental work. ii) Identify
important research questions which current LTER experimental work
is not addressing, particularly inviting contributions from scientists
outside the network. iii) Address the issue of how manipulative experimental
approaches can/should be adapted to deal with human-dominated ecosystems
- in particular to what extent can we draw on existing methodologies
from horticultural & crop science experimental design and how do such
classical approaches need to be modified in order to accommodate human
decisions & behaviors. Participation from social scientists would
hence also be very welcome. The intended products will be a short
paper summarizing the results of the workshop, to be published in
the primary literature, a summary of which will be made available
to be posted to the LTER Network home page to help guide new experimental
research design within the network & beyond. |
| |
| Title: Exploring New Spatial and Temporal Scales
in Ecology Using Wireless Sensor Networks |
| Organizer: John
Porter |
| Key participants: John Porter, Peter Arzberger,
Hen-Baiu King, William Michener, Stuart Gage, Paul Hanson |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: New avenues of ecological research are
opened by recent developments in wireless networking. Wireless sensor
networks have the potential to collect temporally-intensive and spatially-distributed
data. Such networks also can expand the types of data available to
ecologists (including image, video and audio). The goals of this workshop
are: 1) To identify scientific research opportunities and areas enabled
and opened up by wireless sensor networks; and 2) To exchange information
on capabilities, techniques and technologies, and experiences for
wireless sensor networks. The workshop organizers will strive to involve
researchers who are not currently using wireless, but could greatly
benefit from it. Content of the workshop will include a limited number
of presentations from both U.S. and international scientists, coupled
with panel and working-group discussions. Products of the workshop
would include identification of future collaborations and how they
might be advanced (mailing lists, web sites, papers, proposals); and
production of a publication or other community resource that characterizes
existing efforts that can be used as a tutorial for individuals wanting
to initiate sensor networks. |
| |
| Title: Exploring nitrogen dynamics in stream: Using
models to scale up from headwaters reaches to stream networks |
| Organizer: Sherri
Johnson |
| Key participants: Sherri Johnson, Steve Hamilton,
Bruce Peterson, Jack Webster |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Much research has occurred examining
nitrogen dynamics in streams and riparian areas of LTER sites over
years. Lotic Intersite Nitrogen eXperiment (LINX), where 15N ammonium
was added to 8 of the LTER streams, provided a consistent platform
for examining the fate of ammonium in small streams. Research on the
fate of nitrate in small streams as a function of riparian/land use
types is currently underway (LINX II). A looming challenge across
all sites will be to synthesize and apply our understanding of nitrogen
dynamics from headwater streams to larger and larger rivers and estuaries.
In this workshop, we will begin by examining several current modeling
strategies for nitrogen dynamics in streams. Process-based, rule-base
and black box models have been used for reach scale simulations as
well as for initial network models. Participants will discuss the
assumptions and challenges involved in scaling up models and processes
from headwaters to larger and larger systems. Several examples of
nutrient concentrations in headwaters to large rivers will be examined
to see to what extent we can predict longitudinal nitrogen concentrations
from our hypotheses on the rates of uptake and transformation in streams
with differing land uses. Hypotheses and lively discussion concerning
how best to integrate reach-scale observations into network models
will follow. We encourage participation by any one interested in this
and further discussions of network based, process modeling of bio-reactive
or conservative nutrients as a cross site activity. |
| |
| Title: Historical Data as a Source for Studies
of Landscape Change |
| Organizer: Myron
Gutmann |
| Key participants: Myron Gutmann, William J. Parton,
Kenneth Sylvester, Morgan Grove |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: Understanding historical land use is
a key element in many studies of ongoing and future ecological change.
In this workshop we will discuss several ongoing projects that make
use of historical land use and other data -- generally drawn from
the U.S. censuses of population and agriculture, and from USDA and
state-level crop production statistics. In the workshop researchers
experienced with this kind of work will discuss sources and their
strengths and limitations, and report results that show the usefulness
of research based on these sources. |
| |
| Title: Information Technology for the Decade of
Synthesis: Accessing Remote Sensing and GIS Data Through Web Services
and 3D Visualization: |
| Organizer: Theresa
Valentine |
| Key participants: Theresa Valentine (AND), Peter
McCartney (CAP), John Campbell (HBR), Ken Ramsey (JRN) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: One of the greatest challenges facing
the LTER Network is how to support cross-site and cross-disciplinary
synthesis. This workshop focuses on work being conducted by individual
LTER sites, LTER partners, and collaborations to develop and publish
GIS web services to aid researchers in the discovery, access, normalization,
and visualization of remote sensing, GIS, and ecological data sets.
These web services will provide a valuable set of tools for researchers
conducting synthetic research by providing new ways of accessing,
visualizing, and analyzing ecological data. Speakers: 1. Dr. Kate
Beard-Tisdale, Chair, Dept. of Spatial Information Science & Engineering,
National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, University
of Maine, will talk on GIS information integration using event/process
level information. Her work on data quality covers metadata representation,
management and tracking of errors in spatial databases, and various
methods for visualizing and communicating data quality. 2. Peter McCartney
, Central Arizona - Phoenix Urban LTER - Information Manager, presenting
on their EML based approach to internet mapping at their new websites.
The two technical points he will talk about are using EML measurement
scale metadata to dynamically build map renderers and working with
OpenGIS map services to share map images between web sites. 3. Barrie
Collins, Coweeta LTER - Information Manager, review of the options
for developing internet map services (pros and cons for the different
technologies out there), with a look at how his site has approached
serving spatial data on the web. 4. Dylan Keon, GIS Research Specialist
at Northwest Alliance for Computational Science and Engineering (NACSE),
presenting on his work providing web services (interactive mapping),
with discussion on ideas on how this might work across sites within
the LTER network (collaborative effort ideas). The last hour will
be spent preparing and discussing recommendations to the Information
Managers Group Meeting. |
| |
| Title: Integrating Long-term Ecological Research
and Data into Education |
| Organizer: Robert
Bohanan |
| Key participants: Robert Bohanan, Peter
McCartney, Karen Baker, Alan Berkowitz, and Sonia Ortega |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: LTER sites provide a continuum of diverse
educational activities that include k-12 teachers and students, undergraduates,
and graduate students. A panel will provide an overview of models
and templates for educational activities and materials. Panel discussion
will address the theme of 'integrating research and data in education'.
We will explore and discuss the following questions: 1. What are the
unique features and possibilities of integrating data into education?
2. How can data be used to augment environmental education? 3. What
are the essential attributes of exemplary models of integrating data
in teaching and learning? Panelists will provide case studies and
examples such as LTER, GLOBE, NASA, NCEAS, Knowledge Network Project,
and the digitial library community. |
| |
| Title: Integration in Eco-hydrology 2 |
| Organizer: Julia
Jones |
| Key participants: Barbara Bond, Kevin McGuire,
Georgianne Moore (AND) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Eco-hydrology addresses the many linkages
between water and ecosystem processes. The purpose of this workshop
is to understand how tightly the hydrologic cycle is coupled with
ecological processes (NPP, carbon exchange, N cycling, etc.) across
a range of different ecosystems. The proposed workshop will be in
two parts, involving scientists and graduate students from as many
LTER sites as possible. In Part I, invited presentations will review
ongoing eco-hydrology research to emphasize how past research at LTER
sites can lead the way in establishing a new research perspective
that formally integrates ecological and hydrological processes. Part
II will be a working session to plan future eco-hydrology research,
specifically to identify topics and corresponding investigators, sites,
and experiments to be undertaken by workshop participants. Research
will be designed to test hypotheses about the effects of hydrology
on ecosystem processes, and vice-versa. We welcome participants at
all levels of engagement with eco-hydrology. |
| |
| Title: Litter decomposition in the LTER Network:
gaps and bridges to synthesis |
| Organizer: Grizelle
Gonzalez, Whendee Silver, Jean Lodge |
| Key participants: Ingrid C. Burke, David C. Coleman,
Grizelle González, Mark Harmon, D. Jean Lodge, John Moore, William
J. Parton, Timothy R. Seastedt, Whendee Silver |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: The main objectives of the workshop are:
1) to present the "state" of decomposition research in the LTER Network,
2) identify the gaps in knowledge of data and study factors in sites
within the LTER Network, and 3) identify "bridge" questions in an
effort to start the process of synthesis given available data. The
workshop will consist of four main sections: Introduction, Invited
talks, Open discussion on research initiatives and summary remarks.
Talk topics / titles are: 1:30-1:50 Use of LIDET Data to Test Litter
Decomposition Models - W.J. Parton 1:50-2:10 Climate and Decomposition:
Decoupling temperature from moisture effects - I. Burke 2:10-2:30
Advances in chemical aspects - M. Harmon 2:30-2:50 Is there a home-court
advantage? - J. Lodge 2:50-3:00 Break 3:00-3:20 Big Questions in LTER
Decomposition Synthesis--Do we have "Big" Data Sets to Match? - D.
Coleman & T.R. Seastedt (Soil / litter organisms) 3:20-3:40 Modeling
decay from an organismal perspective: Impacts of NPP and disturbance
- J. Moore 3:40-4:00 Summary Overview 4:00-4:30 Open Discussion Each
talk will be focused on the current state (e.g., What has been done?
What questions have been answered and in which LTER Site (s)?), and
the future (What are the questions that remain to be answered?) of
the research topic as related to litter decay. An overview talk will
combine the gaps and bridges in knowledge in terms of sites (biomes
or regions?) and data as related to the pre-selected topics to stimulate
further discussion on how we should move forward towards the synthesis
of decomposition research in the LTER Network. We will explore whether
we need new data to answer new questions. It is a goal to publish
the information presented and compiled during the workshop. |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative III. Climate Change: |
| Organizer: Debra
Peters, Bruce Hayden |
| Key participants: Debra Peters, Bruce Hayden |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: How will an increase in extreme events alter ecological
pattern and process? How will a changing climate affect the connectedness
of ecosystems? What is the role of sea-level rise in landscape/ecosystem
evolution? How will climate change influence ecosystem/atmosphere
feedbacks (e.g., gas flux, snow cover, water vapor, sensible heat
exchanges) across gradients? How does geographic variation in climate
give rise to variation in population dynamics, diversity, and ecosystem
processes based on annual record from a variety of sites? How will
climate change affect the sustainability of human socioeconomic systems
that have developed in the different ecological systems represented
in the LTER network? |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative IV. Coupled human-natural ecosystems: |
| Organizer: Ann
Kinzig |
| Key participants: Anne Kinzig/Steve Garman |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: What have been the legacies of agricultural practices
and other land uses for the ecological systems being studied in the
LTER network? Conversely, what have been the legacies of the different
ecological systems for agricultural practices and other land uses
in their respective regions? What are the human issues that affect
the biosphere and its management? What are the social, economic, and
political factors that influence continental-scale ecological patterns
and processes? What are the social, economic, political, and ecological
factors that affect the adoption of sustainable land use practices? |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative V. Extinctions/ Invasions: |
| Organizer: Timothy
Seastedt |
| Key participants: Tim Seastedt, Kate Suding |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: What are the effects of invasion, and how do the characteristics
of successful invaders lead to observed effects? What are the causes
and consequences of species invasions? (what features of communities
make them susceptible and resistant to invasive species?) What are
the impacts of species invasions and extinctions? What are background
levels of species turnover? What roles have humans played in the introduction
and relative success of invasive species? |
| |
| Title: New methods in stable isotope applications
for long term ecological research: molecular level characterizations.
|
| Organizer: Stephen
Macko |
| Key participants: Stephen Macko (VCR), William
Anderson (FLE), Peggy Ostrom (KBS), Nathaniel Ostrom (KBS), Iris Anderson
(VCR) |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: Recent developments in stable isotope
technologies now allow for the determination of isotope compositions
on individual molecular components. This working group will be highlighting
the new techniques and technologies, as well as the novel applications
of continuous flow stable isotope analysis. Applications to be discussed
include, but are not limited to: analysis of nanomols of fatty acids
and amino acids for deciphering food webs using essential compounds;
tracking components of the carbon and nitrogen cycles; rapid analysis
of microliter quantities of water for interpreting the hydrologic
cycle; tracing global change and organic matter preservation through
authentic compound determination or alteration. |
| |
| Title: Temporal and spatial scales of coupling
between human and ecological systems |
| Organizer: F.
Chapin |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: One of the biggest challenges facing
the LTER network is the integration of human and ecological processes
in our understanding of the dynamics of the ecosystems that we study.
One barrier to the effective integration of natural and social sciences
is uncertainty of the temporal and spatial scales at which important
human and ecological processes are coupled. Information at scales
that are larger than the scale of coupling provides context; information
at too small a scale appears as noise. How do we determine the appropriate
scales to study particular classes of social-ecological interactions?
We propose a workshop that discusses the scales of interactions between
ecological and social variables and what social and ecological variables
might be the likely candidates to examine? Based on this workshop,
we will identify classes of interactions that are important at different
temporal and spatial scales and which appear to be ripe for either
cross-site research or cross-site synthesis. This workshop would be
a logical precursor to the Garman workshop on complexity of coupled
ecological-human interactions. |
| |
| Title: Web site development - A collaborative approach
|
| Organizer: Marshall
White |
| Key participants: LTER Information Managers |
| Workshop Report - This workshop was a hand's-on workshop
for idividuals during the ASM meeting. |
| Abstract: The LTER Network Office can help you
take charge of your website by providing you with important resources
and services. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the LTER
Information managers to the services provided by the LTER Network
office in web site development. This workshop will focus on the existing
services the Network Office has to offer, the services the Network
Office is developing and to solicit ideas from the LTER community
for future collaborative endeavors. The goal of this information filled
workshop is to promote collaborative website development across the
LTER network. |
| |
| Title: When and how does structure affect function?
- A discussion of structural constraints on processes at different
LTER sites |
| Organizer: Tamara
Hochstrasser, Jin Yao |
| Key participants: Co-Organizer: Jin Yao (jyao@nmsu.edu),
TBA |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: It has long been recognized that structural
characteristics of a system constrain the functional dynamics within
the system. When comparing different LTER sites and levels of organization,
it may be possible to identify similarities and differences in structural
constraints on processes. In this workshop we are interested in identifying
what structural constraints may limit processes that affect a system?s
capacity to recover from stress or disturbances. For example, at the
plant scale, different morphological traits in dominant plants at
LTER sites may restrict their physiological function and growth. At
the landscape scale, the comparison of the spatial distribution of
patches with different vegetation composition, height and/or standing
biomass between LTER sites may also help explain differences in landscape
fluxes, such as the redistribution of water and the dispersal of propagules
at these sites. Identifying similarities and differences in these
structural constraints between systems and scales could be an important
step for increasing our predictive capacity concerning the consequences
of climate change or human disturbances. In this workshop - for which
we encourage the participation of graduate students and postdocs -
we would like to compare research on structural constraints on ecological
processes at a range of scales and in different systems. These illustrations
will help workshop participants to discuss how structure and function
are interrelated in their own study systems and allow for planning
future collaborative research across LTER sites. A desired outcome
of the workshop would be to come up with an operative classification
of structural constraints across scales and in different systems. |
| |
| Session IV (Sunday AM) |
| Title: A Future Vision for Enabling Information
Technologies for LTER Science 1 |
| Organizer: William
Michener |
| Key participants: Chaitan Baru (SDSC), Barbara
Benson (NTL), James Brunt (NET), Stuart Gage (KBS), Mark Gahegan (Penn
State), Mark Harmon (AND), Don Henshaw (AND), Alan Knapp (KNZ), Peter
McCartney (CAP), William Michener (NET), Deana Pennington (NET), Tom
Prudhomme (NCSA), Wade Sheldon (GCE), Sylvia Spengler (NSF), Kristin
Vanderbilt (SEV) |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: As we embark on a decade of synthesis
it is critical that we take advantage of appropriate enabling information
technologies. Concomitantly, we have a wonderful opportunity to help
shape the future information technologies that can better enable LTER
synthesis. This day-long workshop has four complimentary parts. First,
three LTER scientists will offer a compelling vision for the information
technologies that are required to enable LTER science (e.g., synthesis,
broad-scale in situ and remote sensing, and broad-scale modeling).
Second, four LTER ecoinformaticians will present brief descriptions
of currently available and progressing information technology tools
that can meet current and future scientific needs. Third, leading
edge information technology researchers from the supercomputer centers
and academic community will present their vision for emerging information
technologies. Finally, a moderated roundtable discussion will attempt
to reconcile the scientific and information technology visions. |
| |
| Title: Application of Remote Sensing Techniques
in the Long Term Ecological Research |
| Organizer: Wei
Wu |
| Key participants: Wei Wu |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: LTER projects have traditionally focused
on ?on the ground? projects for a few locations. Increasingly, the
investigators are expanding their analysis through the development
of spatial models. Remote sensing is a very useful tool in ecological
modeling since the imagery covers large areas and can provide estimates
at very high resolution. At the same time, it has its own limitations,
for example, it is expensive to purchase certain remote sensing images,
time is fixed when the satellite images are taken, the satellite images
in many geographic locations are often contaminated with clouds, atmosphere
correction procedures are complicated and are often only approximate,
the data formats obtained on the sensor are not ready to use except
thermal mapper images. This working group will discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of using remote sensing images to derive the physical,
chemical and ecological phenomena: primary productivity, evapotranspiration,
leaf nitrogen content, surface temperature, land cover etc. This work
group will also discuss the technique used to identify clouds in the
imagery and interpolate the data under the clouds, other technique
difficulties during the modeling processes, the choice of empirical
models to convert remote sensed data to the ground information, sampling
techniques that can help field work undertake validation, the statistical
methods that can help determine the accuracy of the results from remote
sensed data, and the possibility of sharing remote sensed data in
LTER network. The principal goal of the working group is to exchange
experience and make better use of remote sensed data in the LTER The
expected product from the working group is a report about the discussion
and an article in a journal like ?remote sensing of environment?.
|
| |
| Title: Case Studies in Short-term Collaborative
Research |
| Organizer: Kristin
Gade |
| Key participants: Darrel Jenerette, Hoski Schaafsma |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: This workshop will examine social-ecological
collaborations that take place on shorter time scales (6 months to
2 years from start to finish). Some of the biggest challenges in interdisciplinary
research are developing a shared language and common goal for the
research. How can these challenges be addressed in short time frames,
such as during the tenure of a PhD student or postdoc? Presenters
from various sites will describe results from specific research projects
and review the challenges associated with collaborative research in
newly formed groups. After the presentations, there will be a panel-audience
discussion. Several recent publications in the journal Ecosystems
have examined interdisciplinary challenges from the perspective of
senior scientists. One of the expected products of this workshop is
a manuscript describing these challenges from a graduate student perspective.
|
| |
| Title: Development of coupled hydrological-biogeochemical
models of materials transport at the landscape scale |
| Organizer: John
Melack |
| Key participants: John Melack, Ed Beighley |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: This workshop will continue discussions
initiated at the 2000 ASM on the state-of-the art and future directions
for a broad class of models that include GIS-based, surface water
flow & transport, and spatially articulate ecosystem-based approaches.
Of particular interest is the development of models that will couple
physics, chemistry & biology to understand materials transport and
transformation at the landscape scale. We encourage participation
of researchers interested in modeling transport through riparian zones,
riverine networks and estuaries. Another task will be to identify
types of data acquisition needed to successfully calibrate and validate
the next generation of coupled models. |
| |
| Title: Infectious diseases across the LTER Network |
| Organizer: Michael
Antolin |
| Key participants: Bob Parmenter (SEV), John Porter
(VCR), Nancy Moncrief (VCR), Ray Dueser (VCR), Mike Erwin (VCR), Michael
Sheppard (GCE), Amanda Wrona (GCE), Pieter Johns (NTL) |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Hardly a day passes without some news
of an emerging or introduced infectious disease that threatens health
of plants and animals, and the ecosystems that depend upon them. A
looming challenge is to predict how disease spreads and how it maintains
itself in the environment, especially in wild populations. These kinds
of ecological questions are the focus of several research groups of
the LTER network, in local collaborations with the local wildlife
or natural heritage scientists, the U.S. Geological Survey, state
and federal departments of agriculture, and the Centers for Disease
Control. In this workshop we hope that researchers will share 1.)
Which diseases have emerged or have been introduced into their sites,
2.) What long-term data are available to help initiate more detailed
epidemiological modeling (e.g. distributions, densities, and movement
of organisms), 3.) Which kinds of epidemiological models best describe
the influence of infectious diseases on ecosystem processes, 4.) What
tools are available for creating analytical and predictive models
of disease spread and persistence? We will describe two wildlife disease
projects (plague, Hantavirus) that may provide frameworks for research
and for training the next generation of ecological epidemiologists. |
| |
| Title: International Research Collaboration Best
Practices |
| Organizer: Alan
Schroeder |
| Key participants: Alan Schroeder, Hen-Biau King,
Jim Gosz, Bob Waide, ILTER network representatives |
| Workshop Report - No Report Available |
| Abstract: The international LTER network faces
the challenge of increasing cross-national research collaboration.
This workshop will focus on analyzing successful international research
collaborations, the factors that made these collaborations successful,
and ideas for extending these factors into mechanisms for increasing
collaboration. The workshop product will be a report outlining best
practices and a plan for implementing these practices. |
| |
| Title: Long-term effects of land-use change on
carbon and water balance in landscapes and ecosystems: Planning for
inter-site analysis and synthesis |
| Organizer: Olga
Krankina |
| Key participants: Olga Krankina, Mark Harmon, Jim
Fourqurean, Ted Gragson, Paul Bolstad, Jurai Hresko, Jess Zimmerman,
Terry Parr, David Wear |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: Common patterns are emerging among many
sites in the US and International LTER networks that examine long-term
changes in land use. Many sites report expansion of forest cover that
started decades or even centuries ago and in many cases continues
at present. In addition, expanding urban areas play an increasing
role in landcover. These and other changes in land use cause distinct
and long-lasting impacts on carbon and water balance of landscapes
and ecosystems. Understanding and quantifying these effects on a large
set of LTER sites will help assess their global implications. The
workshop will identify and discuss ideas for potential inter-site
comparison and synthesis, explore approaches to quantifying change
in carbon and water balance in response to change in land use, and
formulate science questions to be addressed. Presentations on the
possible common framework for comparisons will be followed by open
discussion. Projected products from the workshop include a plan for
Inter-Site Analysis and Synthesis of Long-Term Effects of Land-Use
Change on Carbon and Water Balance in Landscapes and Ecosystems and
establishment of a working group of interested participants including
representatives from ILTER. |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative VI. Engineered/Designed ecosystems: |
| Organizer: Daniel
Childers, Kay Gross |
| Key participants: Dan Childers, Kay Gross |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Strategic Planning
activity, the Coordinating Committee has decided to develop a proposal
for a planning grant to NSF to develop a long-term plan for cross-site
and synthetic research. This effort is a major undertaking that is
likely to determine the direction that the LTER Network will take
over the next decade and perhaps beyond. The development of this proposal
is an important step in augmenting site science, in formalizing LTER
synthesis activities, and in determining the eventual composition
of the LTER Network. This workshop is one of a series of workshops
designed to identify and develop science themes for inclusion in the
proposal. Each workshop will initiate a process to 1) define and refine
the principle question appropriate to each theme, 2) develop the knowledge
and leadership needed to address this question, 3) define the research
required, and 4) prepare a mini-proposal (3 pages) for each theme
that can be included in an LTER Network Planning Grant Proposal. Sample
questions that might be addressed under this theme include (but are
not limited to: Under what conditions can restoration trajectories
be modeled as the inverse of degradation trajectories? Can ecosystem
restoration be catalyzed? What are the limits to ecosystem restoration
and rehabilitation? Can we engineer or rehabilitate ecosystems to
solve complex environmental problems? |
| |
| Title: LTER Network Research
Initiative VII. Forecasting Landscape Change: |
| Organizer: Stan
Gregory |
| Key participants: Stan Gregory |
| Workshop
Report |
| Abstract: As part of the LTER Str |
