Long Term Ecological Research: The Landscape Continuum Model: A Biogeochemical Paradigm for High Elevation Ecosystems

Niwot Ridge LTER （NWT）采用长期和短期操作实验和长期监测方案，研究高山苔原生物和生态系统水平对气候和大气输入年际变化的响应和反馈。长期记录表明，该地区正在发生方向性气候变化，这激发了一篇综合文章的灵感，该文章重新聚焦并完善了该地区统一的生态主题，也适用于地形崎岖的景观：景观连续体模型（Landscape Continuum Model， LCM）。LCM明确地将陆地生态系统彼此之间以及与水生生态系统联系起来；该模型的核心是极端地形导致的运输过程在景观组成部分之间产生的强烈联系。这些运输因子引起在大多数景观中未观察到的生物地球化学放大和衰减过程。新的范例为统一的主题、综合和跨场地合作提供了平台，这些都是本提案所强调的活动。Niwot Ridge是北美大陆高海拔地区唯一的多学科长期研究基地，因此是测量生物变化和反馈以及实验确定这些关系机制的区域，国家和全球网络的重要基准。因此，在LCM的新范式下，重点放在为当前和未来的科学家记录研究和存档数据上。更广泛的影响。Niwot LTER的许多更广泛的影响源于它作为北美大陆高海拔地区唯一的多学科长期研究地点的地位；它既是一个基准网站，也是这些领域研究的领导者。外联活动包括出版一本以西北地区为基础的儿童读物，描述该地区的生态和水文循环，这是一个独特的机会，可以接触到更广泛的受众，并教育他们了解高山水资源。创新和成功的schoololyard LTER项目侧重于当地学校和与K-12教师的互动；NWT为希望通过课堂访问NWT数据集、实时气候信息和虚拟实地考察来促进网络学习的教师提供计算机。美国地质勘探局和美国国家自然资源管理局的科学家已被纳入NWT小组，这是一个值得赞扬的外展特点，为有效地将LTER科学传递给适当的决策者提供了极好的机会。NWT致力于增加科学和LTER的多样性是显而易见的，该网站为研究生和本科生提供了培训机会。远程、无线技术是一项重要的新NWT倡议，为广大用户提供实时、易于访问的气候数据。计划中的关系数据库一旦上线，将成为一个有价值的产品，而TundraCam和虚拟实地考察为“虚拟访客”提供了有用的机会。

The Niwot Ridge LTER (NWT) employs a program of long- and short-term manipulative experiments and long-term monitoring to study biotic and ecosystem-level responses and feedbacks to interannual variation in climatic and atmospheric inputs for the alpine tundra. Long-term records show that there directional climate change in this area is occurring, which inspired a written synthesis article that refocused and refined the unifying ecological theme for the site and is also appropriate for topographically rugged landscapes: the Landscape Continuum Model (LCM). The LCM explicitly links terrestrial ecosystems to each other and to aquatic ecosystems; the heart of the model is strong linkages generated among the landscape components as a result of transport processes caused by the extreme topography. These transport agents cause biogeochemical amplification and attenuation of processes not observed in most landscapes. The new paradigm provides the platform for a unifying theme, synthesis and cross-site collaboration, activities stressed in this proposal. Niwot Ridge is the only multidisciplinary, long-term study site for high-elevation areas on the North American continent and thus is an essential benchmark for regional, national and global networks that measure biological changes and feedbacks and experimentally determine mechanisms for these relationships. Accordingly, emphasis is placed upon documenting research and archiving data for current and future scientists under the new paradigm of the LCM. Broader Impacts. Many of the broader impacts of the Niwot LTER derive from its status as the only multidisciplinary, long-term study site for high elevation areas in the North American continent; it is both a benchmark site and a leader of research for these areas. Outreach has included the publication of a children's book based on NWT describing the ecology of the area and the hydrologic cycle, a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience and educate them on alpine water resources. The innovative and successful Schoolyard LTER program focuses on local schools and on interactions with K-12 teachers; NWT provides computers to teachers wishing to facilitate web-based learning via class access to the NWT datasets, real-time climate information, and virtual field trips. USGS and NPS scientists have been included in the NWT team, a commendable outreach feature facilitating excellent opportunities to effectively transfer LTER science to the appropriate decision makers. NWT's dedication to increasing diversity in science and at their LTER is apparent, and the site provides training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Remote, wireless technology is an important new NWT initiative providing real-time, easily accessible climate data to a broad group of users. The planned relational database will be a valuable product once online, and the TundraCam and virtual field trip provide useful opportunities to "virtual visitors."