[LTER-investigators] LTER-related sessions at American Geophysical Union Meeting (AGU)

[Marty Downs]

The sessions below are being convened by LTER investigators and students If
you are attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Meeting 9-13
December, consider submitting an abstract by the deadline of *31 July, 2019*.




*The full list, with links to session descriptions
<https://lternet.edu/stories/lter-related-oral-sessions-at-american-geophysical-union-meeting-2019/>,
is also available on the LTER Network web site.*



WORKSHOP

Metrics that Make a Difference: How to analyze change and error with
applications to Land Change Science and GIS.

This workshop concerns how to measure temporal change and predictive error
for a variety of applications, in particular for Land Change Science and
Geographic Information Science. We discuss how to avoid common blunders and
to use enlightening techniques such as the Total Operating Characteristic
and Difference Components. Participants range from students to senior
scientists. The workshop focuses on concepts, not on how to use specific
software, but software is freely available. This is the newest version of
the workshops that Professor Pontius has presented dozens of times in 17
countries www.clarku.edu/~rpontius/.


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ORAL SESSIONS

Error Assessment and Propagation in Land Change Science
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/74364> (IN 027)

Conveners:

Robert Gilmore Pontius, Clark University

Lyndon D Estes, Princeton University

Pontus Olofsson, Boston University

Meha Jain, Columbia University



This AGU session explores frontiers in methods of error assessment,
particularly in Land Change Science. Error assessment compares predictions
to reference information. Conventions exist in various sub-fields, such as
Remote Sensing and Simulation Modeling. Some conventions apply
inappropriate metrics or poorly structured sampling designs. Other
conventions have yet to address features in new data formats, such as
object-oriented image analysis. New methods are now possible given new
technologies, such as Virtual Globes and interfaces that allow volunteered
information. This session focuses on methods to address existing challenges
and to establish future practices.

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Coastal Change Measurement
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/75047> (IN016)

Conveners:

Robert Gilmore Pontius, Clark University

James T Morris, University of South Carolina

This AGU session explores methods to characterize temporal change in
coastal regions. Existing methods of measuring shoreline change include the
Baseline & Transect method, which attempts to measure the shoreline
movement; however, subjective decisions concerning how to draw the Baseline
& Transects influence the results. A Polygon Overlay method measures
shoreline change in terms of areas that transition between land and water.
Remote sensing technologies are available, but such methods face many
challenges, such as the tides and season. Geomorphological theory can
predict trends, but rarely specifics.  This session focuses on empirical
methods and theory to address existing challenges and to establish future
practices.


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 Living Laboratory Experiments for Innovations to Improve Human Health
Outcomes in Warming and Growing Cities
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/80729> (80729)

Conveners:

David Sailor and Paul Coseo, Arizona State University

Chanam Lee and Bruce Dvorak, Texas A&M University



This session will focus on experiments to improve understanding of complex
interacting urban environmental challenges (e.g., extreme heat, air
pollution, urban flooding), with an emphasis on translation of knowledge
into action to improve human health outcomes.

Two categories of experiments will be highlighted: natural experiments in
which spatial or temporal variations in urban design, policies or surface
characteristics result in markedly different environmental and human health
outcomes; and designed experiments in which urban planners/managers,
community stakeholders, and researchers collaborate in the co-design and
implementation of strategies and technologies to affect urban environmental
parameters with the end-goal of improving human health outcomes. In both
cases presenters are asked to highlight lessons learned and barriers to
effective urban environmental planning and mitigation efforts.



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Advances in ecohydrology of water-limited environments
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/80923> (H007)

Conveners:

Sujith Ravi, Temple University

Lixin Wang, Indiana University- Purdue University

Invited speakers:

Dr. Gabriel Katul, Duke University

Dr. Patricia Saco, The University of Newcastle, Australia

Session Description:

Water is fundamental to sustain ecosystem functions in drylands, which
cover 40% of the terrestrial land surface and support more than 2 billion
people. In these water-limited systems a tight coupling exists between
water availability, ecosystem productivity, surface energy balance, and
biogeochemical cycles. Both climatic (e.g., increase in aridity, recurrent
droughts) and anthropogenic factors (e.g. agriculture, grazing, energy
development) are increasingly affecting the dryland water dynamics.
Further, it is essential to understand the consequences of hydrological
changes on other ecosystem functions. We welcome submissions focusing on
the ecohydrological processes/feedbacks in drylands, their quantification
using novel methodologies, and their implications on a broad range of
issues including land use change, water resources, desertification, and
food-energy-water nexus.

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Improving Estimates of Ecosystem Carbon Storage
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/75966> (B064)



Conveners:

John Campbell, USDA Forest Service

Mark Green,  Plymouth State University and Hubbard Brook LTER



Quantifying carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems remains challenging
despite the need for strategic management of the global carbon balance.
Forest biomass and forest soils can be highly heterogeneous and difficult
to measure. Urban trees have been characterized using allometry from closed
forests, which may result in bias. In agricultural systems, understanding
the impact of land use practices on soil carbon changes remains a major
research need. Fortunately, new technologies are improving estimates of
natural variability, thereby reducing uncertainty. For example, terrestrial
LiDAR can provide detailed characterization of live and dead wood pools. At
the same time, methods for characterizing uncertainty in estimates are
improving.  This session will highlight studies that are aimed at
understanding the uncertainty in terrestrial carbon stocks, including
quantifying spatial variability. It will also highlight novel data sets and
quantitative methods used in these characterizations.



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 Invasive and expanding plant species and biogeochemistry: what do we know
about emerging soil-microbial-plant systems in relation to soil chemistry
and greenhouse gas flux?
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/83840> (GC048)

Conveners:

Benjamin Duval <https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Person/792542>,
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Jennie McLaren <https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Person/38708>,
University of Texas-El Paso

Daniel Cadol <https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Person/548088>,
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Invasive and expanding plant species have profound effects on ecosystem
processes: introduced trees affect riparian hydrology, invasive grasses
alter fire regimes and the range expansion of shrubs changes grassland
dynamics. However, there are still knowledge gaps to be filled regarding
biogeochemical effects of plant invasions on soils, nutrient cycling and
greenhouse gas fluxes that provide mechanisms maintaining invasive
persistence and driving expansions. Information on soil-microbial-plant
interactions at local and regional scales is needed to inform progressive
management strategies to re-establish native plant communities, especially
in the face of anthropogenic climate change. We solicit presentations
coupling biogeochemical theory with either modeling studies or field
experiments on plant invasions that integrate multiple scales of ecosystem
science. Our session aims to answer: how do invasive plants influence soil
physio-chemistry and nutrient cycling? How do invasions and expansions
impact greenhouse gas flux? What effect do invasive plants have on the soil
microbial community structure?



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Agrohydrology in a Changing World: From Global Processes to Local Outcomes
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/76891> (H024 )

Conveners: Bonnie McGill (University of Kansas), Mallika Nocco (University
of Minnesota/University of California-Davis), Anthony Kendall (Michigan
State University), Sam Zipper (University of Victoria/University of Kansas)

A leading trans-disciplinary challenge in the 21st century is how to grow
more food with less water while also improving water quality, soil health,
and biodiversity. This session seeks to improve agrohydrological
understanding at both global and local scales and translate this
understanding into sustainable, multifunctional landscapes. We seek
abstracts studying water quantity and/or water quality in agricultural
landscapes and the urban-rural interface. Potential topics include (but are
not limited to): (i) how to harness new technologies, tools, and big data
(e.g. UAVs, deep learning, Google Earth Engine) to improve water
management; (ii) agroecosystem links to other earth systems, particularly
climate change; (iii) hydrologic thresholds, regime shifts, and alternative
stable states in agroecosystems; (iv) emerging management practices
including managed aquifer recharge, deficit irrigation, precision
agriculture, and designer flows; (v) food-energy-water nexus research; (vi)
social dimensions of agrohydrology; and (vi) translating scientific
understanding into effective management and policy.

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Scientific surprises from sensors: What have we learned about ecosystem
science from the advancement of in situ sensors?
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/77154>(B099)

Conveners:

Andrew Robison, University of New Hampshire Main Campus

Erin Hotchkiss, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Chris Whitney, University of New Hampshire Main Campus



Historically, understanding how ecosystem processes and biogeochemical
fluxes respond to and recover from environmental change was limited by
low-temporal resolution sampling that fails to capture natural variability,
extreme weather events, and other disturbances. However, ecosystem
processes vary over short timescales. Furthermore, recent advancements in
sensor technology have allowed unprecedented examinations that alter our
understanding of the timing, variability, and magnitude of ecosystem
processes and biogeochemical fluxes. As such, sensor data enable scientists
to identify new areas of research and test paradigms in ecosystem science.
For example, high frequency dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors are
providing unique perspectives on patterns in aerobic and anaerobic stream
metabolism and connections with the terrestrial environment. We invite
contributions highlighting novel conclusions about ecosystem processes
thanks to high-frequency sensor data. We encourage submissions using
sensors to advance paradigms and provide unique perspectives in
terrestrial, freshwater, or marine ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry.

------------------------------

Innovation and Exploration with Machine Learning in Ocean and Atmospheric
Sciences: Global and Regional Applications
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/85463> (OS019)

Conveners:

Maike Sonnewald, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Redouane Lguensat, CNES/ IGE Grenoble

Pierre Gentine, Columbia University

Patrick Gray, Duke University

Session Description:

As machine learning methods mature, many possibilities open in Ocean and
Atmospheric Sciences for describing and understanding large data sets.
Increasing volumes of data are becoming available that allow novel
exploration of complex phenomena. From characterizing global dynamical
regimes, improving subgridscale parameterizations and leveraging robotic
technology such as drones and remote sensing, machine learning promises
innovation. As a tool, machine learning can play a pivotal role as the link
between theory, modelling and observational efforts. This session invites
submissions that demonstrate progress in understanding both the uses and
misuses of machine learning in terms of supervised, unsupervised, and
active learning, as well as visual analytics. Submissions are welcomed from
regional and global applications to ocean and atmospheric sciences.

------------------------------


Vegetation canopies: physiology, structure, function
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/80297> (B127)

Conveners:

Trevor Keenan, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Nick Smith, Texas Tech University

Cecilia Chavana-Bryant, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Han Wang, Tsinghua University

Vegetation canopy structure and function determine global rates of
photosynthesis and transpiration and, thus, heavily influence the global
carbon, water, and energy cycles. Key unknowns remain regarding how plant
canopies respond to both temporal and spatial mesoclimatic changes, and the
within-canopy microclimate. In this session, we will explore the relative
roles of leaf physiology, phenology, microclimate, and canopy structure in
determining ecosystem states, traits, and rates. We are particularly
interested in studies that use novel approaches to examine changes in
canopy form and function, particularly those that bridge traditional
boundaries with new theory, observations, and models. We encourage
submissions focused on vegetation canopies at any scale, including
near-surface or remote sensing techniques, field and experimental
observations. We also encourage empirical and modeling submissions
examining canopy processes across scales, from seconds to decades and from
the leaf to the globe.

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Exploring microbial ecosystems using cutting edge advances in isotopic and
omics analyses <https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/75692>
(B046)

Conveners:

James Moran (James.Moran at pnnl.gov), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Paul Dijkstra, Northern Arizona University

Steven Blazewicz, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory



Microbial communities drive many biogeochemical processes which, as a
result, impact nutrient availability, system productivity, and relevant
fluxes from natural ecosystems. The complexity of these microbial
communities, however, makes them challenging to study and can confound
efforts to identify metabolic interactions between organisms, quantify
gross and net metabolic fluxes, or reveal physiological interactions
between plants, animals, and their geochemical environment.  Isotope and
omics analyses have historically provided tools for exploring these
systems. Emerging advances linking isotope analysis to omics approaches as
well as improvements in measurement hardware are providing new insights to
advance our scientific understanding of complex systems. This session seeks
to include discussions on linking isotope and omics data collection,
alternative isotope measurement platforms (i.e., spectroscopy and NMR),
spatial isotope analysis, the use of multi- and non-traditional stable
isotopes, and other related topics.  Both methodological and
application-based presentations are encouraged.





------------------------------

Multi-scale controls on soil organic matter: leveraging networks,
synthesis, and long-term studies
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/77676>(B080)



Conveners:

Samantha Rose Weintraub, National Ecological Observatory Network

William R Wieder, National Center for Atmospheric Research

Alejandro N Flores, Boise State University

Kate Lajtha, Oregon State University



Soil organic matter (SOM) is a critical ecosystem variable regulated by
complex physical, chemical and biological interactions across scales.
Better constraints on SOM pools and fluxes are required to advance
understanding and generate insight into how global change will influence
SOM persistence and vulnerability. Interdisciplinary research and
observation networks are collecting long term, geographically distributed
data that can help elucidate mechanisms driving soil organic matter
dynamics, and international efforts are working toward soil data
harmonization and data-model sharing. We seek contributions investigating
controls on soil organic matter using a networked, multi-site approach
and/or leveraging long-term observations or experiments. Studies using
novel tools, from microbial -omics to near-surface geophysical and remote
sensing observations, are welcome. Contributions that discuss data
dissemination, cross-site synthesis, and collaborations between empiricists
and modelers within and across networks, are strongly encouraged.



------------------------------



Elucidating Coupled Biogeochemical Cycles in Terrestrial Ecosystems:
Integrating Theory, Observations, Experiments, and Models
<https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/prelim.cgi/Session/75817> (B041)



Conveners:

William R Wieder, National Center for Atmospheric Research

Fiona Soper, Cornell University

Sasha Reed, U.S. Geological Survey

Cory C. Cleveland, University of Montana



Nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and others) have the potential to mediate
plant growth and ecosystem carbon balance in response to environmental
change. Despite a range of data suggesting nutrient constraints on
terrestrial ecosystems, we have a poor understanding of how nutrient
cycling may respond to environmental perturbations like elevated CO2,
warming, and changes in the hydrologic cycle. Moreover, our inability to
simulate nutrient effects on the global carbon cycle undermine efforts to
accurately project carbon cycle-climate feedbacks in a changing world. At
the same time, only a handful of current models even attempt to represent
those interactions and feedbacks. This session aims to identify gaps in
understanding and representation of modeled carbon-nutrient interactions
and discuss experiments, manipulations, syntheses, and simulations that
will increase our ability to predict if and how nutrients may constrain the
global terrestrial carbon cycle into the future.





-- 
Marty Downs (she/her/hers)
Deputy Director, LTER Network Communications Office



https://lternet.edu
t: @USLTER
f: USLTER

National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS)
University of California, Santa Barbara
Office: 805-893-7549
Cell: 617-833-7930
downs at nceas.ucsb.edu
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