EAGER research: Gas exchange over the air-water interface of freshwater systems

EAGER项目（EARly概念探索性研究补助金）探索了一种新的方法，可以更准确地测量溪流，湖泊和河流上方的水和空气之间的氧气，二氧化碳和甲烷交换。这是生态系统中一个至关重要的过程，但目前的衡量方法很难使用，而且都有很大的弱点。如果得到证实，这种新方法将从根本上改变我们对水生生态系统气体交换过程的理解。将通过网站开发、国际会议期间的会议和讲习班以及科学论文传播项目结果。本科生和研究生将接受使用复杂仪器进行高频数据采集和分析该项目产生的大数据的培训。新的程序将在现场进行测试和评估，这些现场一直是与预测水生生态系统临界点相关的大量其他支持的重点;如果这种新方法有效，这些其他研究将立即受益。一种新的双氧温度传感器将实现两个平行的独立估计交换系数，一个基于氧通量，一个基于热通量。其核心新颖的想法是将这种测试方法颠倒应用于空气-水界面下方，并从界面下方和上方测量的垂直气体通量和浓度，计算备受追捧的气体交换系数。将从两个平台进行测量，一个是固定的，用于单向流动的浅河流和溪流，另一个是小型无线电控制的移动水面船，用于没有一致的明确水流的水库和湖泊。

This EAGER project (EArly-concept Grant for Exploratory Research) explores a new way to more accurately measure the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and methane between the water and the air above streams, lakes and rivers. This is a critically important process in ecosystems, yet current measurement approaches are difficult to employ and all have substantial weaknesses. If proven, this new approach would fundamentally change our understanding of gas exchange processes for aquatic ecosystems. Project findings will be disseminated through web site development, sessions and workshops at international meetings, and scientific papers. Undergraduate and graduate students will be trained in high frequency data acquisition with complex instruments and analysis of big data produced in this project. The new procedures will be tested and evaluated at field sites that have been the focus of considerable other support related to the prediction of tipping points in aquatic ecosystems; if this new approach works, these other studies will immediately benefit.A new dual oxygen-temperature sensor will enable two parallel independent estimates for the exchange coefficient, one based on the oxygen flux and one on the heat flux. The core novel idea is to apply this tested approach upside down right below the air-water interface and from measured vertical gas fluxes and concentrations below and above the interface, calculate the much sought after gas exchange coefficient. Measurements will be performed from two platforms, a stationary one for shallow rivers and streams with unidirectional flow, and a small radio-controlled moving surface vessel for reservoirs and lakes without consistent well-defined current flows.