Isotope discrimination and Lagrangian analysis for process-based ecosystem modelling

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The consumption and release of carbon through photosynthesis and respiration are major ecosystem functions. Together, these processes are called the carbon cycle. The terrestrial carbon cycle is a significant determinant of the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. A quantitative analysis of the carbon cycle is also an important means of clarifying how an ecosystem is functioning and how it is changing. Photosynthesis discriminates against the stable isotope of carbon, C13. In addition, the amount of C13 in the atmosphere is changing due to foosil fuel consumption. Because of these two facts, measurements of the carbon cycle in ecosystems combined with measurements of the isotope ratio of its components is capable of providing much information about ecosystem function, and will allow us to develop improved models of ecosystem processes in order to predict the future health of both natural and agricultural systems. This project will provide detailed information about carbon cycles in a forest and in an agricultural system based on recent advances in micrometeorological measurement techniques.