Decomposition Dynamics in Restored and Naturally Recovering Atlantic White Cedar (\u3ci\u3eChamaecyparis thyoides\u3c/i\u3e) Wetlands

Restoration efforts and ecologically based management practices for Atlantic white cedar wetlands have recently focused on soil organic matter sequestration and aggradation as critical ecosystem functions in the maintenance of this imperiled community type. This work addresses how developmental stage, litter quality and environmental conditions influenced above ground leaf litter and below ground root decay in naturally regenerating and restored Atlantic white cedar wetlands. Using standard litterbags for leaf litter and a modified litterbag technique for roots, decay dynamics of naturally regenerating and restored Atlantic white cedar stands were measured to compare ecosystem development trends with restoration conditions. Effects on rates of mass loss, nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon dynamics during decomposition of a common root and leaf litter type (Chamaecyparis thyoides) and native leaves and roots are discussed. Native root decay was significantly faster at all depth intervals within the restoration setting compared to the stands along a chronosequence. In contrast, Chamaecyparis root decay was similar along the chronosequence and restoration setting. Native leaf litter decay was faster than Chamaecyparis leaf litter decay but no differences occurred among litter decay rates along the chronosequence and restoration setting. Within all sites, native leaf litter and Chamaecyparis thyoides litter immobilized nitrogen over the course of the study, while phosphorus was released. Nitrogen in leaf litter was immobilized over two times initial amounts. Site hydrology and initial phosphorus content were strongly correlated with leaf litter decay rates. Native roots and standard roots immobilized nitrogen and released phosphorus throughout the study. Roots accumulated nitrogen but increases were less pronounced relative to leaf litter. Root decay was highly correlated with initial phosphorus and lignin concentration and L:N ratio. Decay of Chamaecyparis roots were similar across all sites despite significant differences in site hydroperiod. Root decay was not correlated with site hydrology. With regards to native root material, these results suggest that within restored sites the current status of below ground carbon storage functions appear to be deficient in comparison to the naturally regenerating sites. Continued long-term study of these and similar restoration sites are needed to provide greater insight into appropriate recovery models for various wetland functions of Atlantic white cedar

Characterization of Legacy Sediment variations in accretion and carbon dynamics following dam removal in a recently restored tidal freshwater wetland

Damming disrupts the natural flow of sediment to adjoining water bodies resulting in the accumulation of Legacy Sediments (LS). While the impact of LS inputs has been well investigated in lotic Mid-Atlantic piedmont stream restorations, (i.e. milldam removal 1,2,3,4,5,), there have been few studies investigating LS following dam removal in low-gradient coastal plain streams. The objectives of this study were to quantify spatial and temporal variations of LS characteristics in a low-gradient tidal stream restoration within the lower James River watershed. Secondary objectives were to assess the current temporal and spatial variability in sediment deposition within the recently restored Kimages Creek wetlands and adjacent, unaltered wetlands of Harris Creek to investigate current sedimentation processes in a restoration setting

Using the past to restore the future: Quantifying historical vegetation to assist in tidal freshwater wetland restoration Former Lake Charles at the VCU Rice Rivers Center

Wetlands have been providing humans with critical natural ecosystem services throughout our time on Earth. Nevertheless, these invaluable ecosystems have been habitually altered as a cost of human progression. Two of the most common alterations to wetlands are hydrologic, in the form of damming, and filling. Both occurred along Kimages Creek in Charles City County, VA during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2010 the Lake Charles dam was partially removed, restoring the creek’s tidal communication with the James River and beginning tidal forested freshwater wetland restoration. Upon the recession of the body of water, numerous woody stumps were revealed

Insured Pension Funds Who Benefits?

The defined pension plans of many firms are underfunded.  The Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation was created to protect retirees, but who really benefits

Energy Prices And The Global Economic Recovery

Global economies seem on their way to recovery after the recent downturn.  However, one dilemma has emerged that could halt expansion and raise the specter of inflation – energy prices

Using the past to restore the future: Quantifying historical vegetation to assist in tidal freshwater wetland restoration

Wetlands have been providing humans with critical natural ecosystem services throughout our time on Earth. Nevertheless, these invaluable ecosystems have been habitually altered as a cost of human progression. Two of the most common alterations to wetlands are hydrologic, in the form of damming, and filling. Both occurred along Kimages Creek in Charles City County, VA during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2010 the Lake Charles dam was partially removed, restoring the creek’s tidal communication with the James River and beginning tidal forested freshwater wetland restoration. Upon the recession of the body of water, numerous woody stumps were revealed

Projective Market Model Approach to AHP Decision-Making

In this paper we describe market in projective geometry language and give definition of a matrix of market rate, which is related to the matrix rate of return and the matrix of judgements in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). We use these observations to extend the AHP model to projective geometry formalism and generalise it to intransitive case. We give financial interpretations of such generalised model and propose its simplification. The unification of the AHP model and projective aspect of portfolio theory suggests a wide spectrum of new applications such extended model.Comment: APFA 6 - Applications of Physics in Financial Analysis 6th International Conference, 4-7 July 2007, Lisbon, Portuga

Airborne Measurements of Gravity Wave Breaking at the Tropopause

2000 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 2000