When is net ecosystem production positive?
I calculated the mean timing and coherence of positive net ecosystem production for several hundred rivers.
Stream metabolism
The combined effects of the creation and dissipation of organic energy are referred to as ecosystem metabolism. We quantify these in terms of rates of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). Just like in terrestrial systems, productivity is limited by a combination of light, nutrients, and temperature. However, rivers can also experience frequent and intense disturbance and their function can be highly influenced by local conditions in the surrounding riparian area.
The widespread availability of reliable high-frequency sensors capable of creating the necessary data to estimate stream metabolism is still relatively new. As a member of the StreamPULSE project I explored patterns of metabolism across many sites. Through this comparison we were able to identify some common patterns and controls of metabolism.
What limits river light environments?
I used a model to predict whether riparian zones or water column processes most limit river lighting conditions
Terrestrial phenology and stream metabolism
A look at the timing of river metabolism with respect to terrestrial phenology
