14 research outputs found
The Impact of a Science Education Game on Studentsâ Learning and Perception of Inhalants as Body Pollutants
Reconstructing terrestrial nutrient cycling using stable nitrogen isotopes in wood
Although recent anthropogenic effects on the global nitrogen (N) cycle have been significant, the consequences of increased anthropogenic N on terrestrial ecosystems are unclear. Studies of the impact of increased reactive N on forest ecosystemsâimpacts on hydrologic and gaseous loss pathways, retention capacity, and even net primary productivityâ have been particularly limited by a lack of long-term baseline biogeochemical data. Stable nitrogen isotope analysis (ratio of Âčâ”N to ÂčâŽN, termed ÎŽÂčâ”N) of wood chronologies offers the potential to address changes in ecosystem N cycling on millennial timescales and across broad geographic regions. Currently, nearly 50 studies have been published utilizing wood ÎŽÂčâ”N records; however, there are significant differences in study design and data interpretation. Here, we identify four categories of wood ÎŽÂčâ”N studies, summarize the common themes and primary findings of each category, identify gaps in the spatial and temporal scope of current wood ÎŽÂčâ”N chronologies, and synthesize methodological frameworks for future research by presenting eight suggestions for common methodological approaches and enhanced integration across studies. Wood ÎŽÂčâ”N records have the potential to provide valuable information for interpreting modern biogeochemical cycling. This review serves to advance the utility of this technique for long-term biogeochemical reconstructions