PARENT SESSION
Symposium #19: Integrating aquatic and terrestrial biogeochemistry in heterogeneous landscapes.
Sponsored by ESA Aquatic Ecology Section
Organized by: N.B. Grimm, S. E. Gergel, and W. McDowell.
Thursday, August 9, 2001. 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Lecture Hall
Introduction: The need for integration of aquatic and terrestrial perspectives of biogeochemistry.
Grimm, Nancy1, Gergel, Sarah2, McDowell, William3, 1 2 3
ABSTRACT- Despite the integrative nature of biogeochemistry, there is a historical separation between terrestrial and aquatic approaches - a sort of "habitat chauvinism." Lack of integration between aquatic and terrestrial biogeochemistry limits our ability to understand systems (such as watersheds) that contain both aquatic and terrestrial elements. The lack of integration becomes particularly apparent when attempts are made to scale up from smaller plot- or reach-level studies to large heterogeneous watersheds. It also hinders the development of new theory that can encompass key components arising from research in both system types. This symposium, which was motivated by a NCEAS working group, will examine several themes critical for the integration of aquatic and terrestrial approaches to biogeochemistry, including: (a) commonalities in paradigms, methods, and questions; (b) approaches to scaling; (c) incorporation of "hot spots" of biogeochemical activity into our understanding of dynamics at broader scales; (d) simulation models of dynamic hydrologic systems interacting with heterogeneous landscape elements; and (e) management implications of terrestrial-aquatic integration. These themes can help biogeochemists shape an integrated landscape theory that encompasses aquatic and terrestrial approaches, methods, and research communities. A selection of case studies will illustrate field examples of the themes we identify as crucial to effective integration.
KEY WORDS: biogeochemistry, terrestrial, aquatic, riparian