This $402,536 federal Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) supports collaborative research on spatial and temporal patterns of carbon dioxide and methane emissions in tropical Brazilian savanna wetlands. The key products and services to be delivered include:
Spatially distributed and high-temporal resolution measurements of greenhouse gas dynamics, soil, and vegetation carbon across a saturation gradient in tropical grasslands. Remote sensing and field data will be used to map seasonal and decadal-scale changes in wetland extent. The research team will utilize these empirical datasets to simulate future carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission patterns under projected climate change scenarios for the region.
As part of the project, student biologists will receive training in savanna field ecology and using data to predict future greenhouse gas release. The researchers will also collaborate with indigenous artists to create artwork highlighting the importance of savanna ecosystems for public audiences.