OOS 4-2
Accelerating the integration of NEON data in isotope ecology research
As the biosphere responds to anthropogenic activities, it becomes increasingly important to understand the underlying processes driving this response in order to forecast how ecological systems will continue to change in the future. The direction and magnitude of change, the strengths of interaction, and the sensitivity of ecological systems can vary spatially and temporally in often poorly understood ways. This is particularly true when the scale of inquiry is relatively large (e.g., macrosystems). The National Ecological Observatory Network represents an exciting platform for working at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, and an opportunity to integrate observations, models, and disciplinary approaches to better tackle questions related to environmental change. In order to capitalize on this opportunity, researchers will need to develop not just new models of relevant processes, but new approaches to collaborations and partnerships as projects are developed. We organized a workshop focused on stable isotopes as tools for studying hydrological, atmospheric, and ecological processes and as mechanisms for cross-disciplinary interactions. We were particularly interested in how NEON data may facilitate studying systems that are otherwise very difficult to study.
Results/Conclusions
The workshop participants developed ideas around the following four themes: (1) Forecasting and modeling, (2) Ecohydrology, (3) Nitrogen cycling, and (4) Species and biodiversity. Discussions focused on research questions framed at large spatial scales and that generally integrated across environmental gradients, with these ideas articulated in thematic white papers. Groups also attempted to link to other ongoing educational and research initiatives where appropriate, particularly as they relate to spatiotemporal variation in stable isotopes (e.g., http://itce.utah.edu, http://isomap.org). The small size of the workshop allowed us to facilitate interdisciplinary discussions and identify emergent themes as participants thought through the design and execution of projects that would leverage NEON infrastructure. The groups grappled with a wide range of scientific questions and approaches, as well as opportunities and challenges associated with capitalizing on NEON data and activities. We present initial results of the workshop in terms of key questions and opportunities identified, particularly in the context of existing networks and gaps in knowledge, and discuss approaches taken to integrating question-driven research and the NEON framework.