Towards a Model of the Biogeochemistry of Large-Scale River Basins: An Application to the Pacific Rim

河流在全球系统中发挥着关键作用，因为它们将物质从陆地转移到海洋。研究人员为亚马逊河开发了一个模型，描述并预测河流与陆地和海岸系统的相互作用。该模型将大规模和小规模信息纳入一个统一的数据库(例如，卫星成像到生化参数)。在目前的研究中，研究人员将把这个模型扩展到环太平洋的河流。之所以选择环太平洋的河流，是因为它们复杂，但在全球生物地球化学循环中的作用未得到充分认识。核心问题是：这些鲜为人知的河流是如何获得、修改和运输其生物地球化学成分的？为了解决这个问题，PIS将1)组建一个国际调查小组，2)收集、分析和传播环太平洋几条河流的样本和信息，3)建立这些河流的运作和重要性的启发式模型。

Rivers play a critical role in global systems because they transfer materials regionally and from land to the sea. The investigators developed a model for the Amazon river that describes and predicts river interactions with terrestrial and coastal systems. The model incorporates both large- and small-scale information in a unified database (e.g. satellite imaging to biochemical parameters). In the present research, the investigators will extend the model to the rivers of the Pacific rim. Rivers of the Pacific rim were chosen because of their complex, but under appreciated role in global biogeochemical cycles. The central question is: How do these poorly- understood rivers obtain, modify and transport their biogeochemical composition? To address the question, the PIs will 1) assemble an international team of investigators, 2) collect, analyze and disseminate samples and information for several Pacific rim rivers, and 3) develop a heuristic model of the operation and importance of these rivers.