Observation Platforms and Data Streams of the Arctic Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment (NGEE-Arctic)
Abstract
The goal of the Arctic Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment (NGEE-Arctic) is to deliver a process-rich ecosystem model, extending from bedrock to the top of the vegetative canopy, in which the evolution of Arctic ecosystems in a changing climate can be modeled at the scale of a high resolution Earth System Model grid cell. Increasing our confidence in climate projections for high-latitude regions of the world requires a coordinated set of observation platforms that target improved process understanding and model representation of important ecosystem-climate feedbacks. The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments (NGEE Arctic) seeks to address this challenge by quantifying the physical, chemical, and biological behavior of terrestrial ecosystems in Alaska. Initial research has focused upon the highly dynamic landscapes of the North Slope (Barrow, Alaska) where thaw lakes, drained thaw lake basins, and ice-rich polygonal ground offer distinct land units for investigation and modeling. This vision includes mechanistic studies in the field and in the laboratory; modeling of critical and interrelated water, nitrogen, carbon, and energy dynamics; and characterization of important interactions from molecular to landscape scales that drive feedbacks to the climate system. To complete these investigations, an integrated program of field monitoring has been initiated. These include observations of meteorological, hydrological, ecological and geophysical processes. These data streams are intended to supplement and extend existing polar data sets to advance our understanding of the Arctic environment and its response to a rapidly changing climate.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AGUFM.C31B0649H
- Keywords:
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- 9315 GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Arctic region;
- 0700 CRYOSPHERE;
- 1631 GLOBAL CHANGE Land/atmosphere interactions;
- 1632 GLOBAL CHANGE Land cover change