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John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis

Offering the opportunity for emergent knowledge in Earth system science through collaborative analysis and synthesis.

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Recent synthesis science at the John Wesley Powell Center

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Publications

Using long-term ecological datasets to unravel the impacts of short-term meteorological disturbances on phytoplankton communities Using long-term ecological datasets to unravel the impacts of short-term meteorological disturbances on phytoplankton communities

Extreme meteorological events such as storms are increasing in frequency and intensity, but our knowledge of their impacts on aquatic ecosystems and emergent system properties is limited. Understanding the ecological impacts of storms on the dynamics of primary producers remains a challenge that needs to be addressed to assess the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to extreme weather...
Authors
V. Tran-Khac, J.P. Doubek, Vijay P. Patil, J.D. Stockwell, R. Adrian, C.-W. Change, G. Dur, A. Lewandowska, J.A. Rusak, N. Salmaso, D. Straile, S.J. Thackeray, P. Venail, R. Bhattacharya, J. Brentrup, R. Bruel, H. Feuchtmayr, M.O. Gessner, H-P. Grossart, B.W. Ibelings, S. Jacquet, S. MacIntyre, S.S. Matsuzaki, E. Nodine, P. Nõges, L.G. Rudstam, F. Soulignac, P. Verburg, P. Znachor, T. Zohary, O. Anneville

A quantitative classification of the geography of non-native flora in the United States A quantitative classification of the geography of non-native flora in the United States

AimNon-native plants have the potential to harm ecosystems. Harm is classically related to their distribution and abundance, but this geographical information is often unknown. Here, we assess geographical commonness as a potential indicator of invasive status for non-native flora in the United States. Geographical commonness could inform invasion risk assessments across species and...
Authors
Bethany A. Bradley, Annette Evans, Helen Sofaer, Montserrat Vilà, David Barnett, Evelyn M. Beaury, Dana M. Blumenthal, Jeffrey Corbin, Jeffrey Dukes, Regan Early, Ines Ibanez, Ian Pearse, Lais Petri, Cascade J.B. Sorte

Identifying preferential flow from soil moisture time series: Review of methodologies Identifying preferential flow from soil moisture time series: Review of methodologies

Identifying and quantifying preferential flow (PF) through soil—the rapid movement of water through spatially-distinct pathways in the subsurface—is vital to understanding how the hydrologic cycle responds to climate, land cover, and anthropogenic changes. In recent decades, methods have been developed that use measured soil moisture time series to identify PF. Because they allow for...
Authors
John R. Nimmo, Inge Wiekenkamp, Ryoko Araki, Jannis Groh, Nitin Singh, Octavia Crompton, Briana Wyatt, Hoori Ajami, Daniel Gimenez, Daniel Hirmas, Pamela Sullivan, Matthias Sprenger

Science

Effects of global change on alpine and subalpine ecosystems

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition, changing environmental patterns, and recreation are rapidly altering high elevation ecosystems. This project will evaluate long-term biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological trends in Rocky Mountain National Park to understand the causes and rates of change in alpine and subalpine waters, soils, and vegetation. Resource managers of high-elevation, protected...
Effects of global change on alpine and subalpine ecosystems

Effects of global change on alpine and subalpine ecosystems

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition, changing environmental patterns, and recreation are rapidly altering high elevation ecosystems. This project will evaluate long-term biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological trends in Rocky Mountain National Park to understand the causes and rates of change in alpine and subalpine waters, soils, and vegetation. Resource managers of high-elevation, protected...
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Critical zone as a mediator of hydroclimate-ecosystem asynchrony

Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures.
Critical zone as a mediator of hydroclimate-ecosystem asynchrony

Critical zone as a mediator of hydroclimate-ecosystem asynchrony

Most regions across the continental United States are experiencing shifts in hydroclimate, such as snow transitioning to rain and changes in streamflow regimes, driven by rising air temperatures.
Learn More

Identifying root causes of thiamine deficiency complex in global aquatic ecosystems

Thiamine deficiency complex (TDC) is considered one of the top threats to global wildlife, yet we have a poor understanding of the drivers or extent of TDC or the reason(s) why it appears to be increasing in frequency.
Identifying root causes of thiamine deficiency complex in global aquatic ecosystems

Identifying root causes of thiamine deficiency complex in global aquatic ecosystems

Thiamine deficiency complex (TDC) is considered one of the top threats to global wildlife, yet we have a poor understanding of the drivers or extent of TDC or the reason(s) why it appears to be increasing in frequency.
Learn More
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