MRI: Acquisition of Off-Axis Integrated-Cavity Output Spectroscopy Instruments for Ecological Research and Training at Northern Arizona University

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

An award has been made to Northern Arizona University under the direction of Dr. George Koch to acquire an instrument for ecological analysis system for the measurement of various forms of carbon and water vapor in a variety of field sites. A mobile housing will be built to allow them to transport the instrument into locations subject to different environmental conditions. The types and amounts of carbon isotopes that they will measure allow them to test hypotheses on the way carbon accumulates in soils due to fungal and microbial processes of decomposition, to determine the source of carbon in stream food webs, and to test ideas relating to climate change over thousands of years. The investigators will integrate the instruments into their courses and research training for students. The university has a significant Hispanic and Native American student population, and the new instrumentation will be incorporated into research experiences for these students. Graduate students participate in educational activities for local schools and the general public, and the new instrumentation will enhance these outreach efforts.