Energy flow in an arctic aquatic ecosystem Page: 2 of 10
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We have also assisted in the design and implementation of
an initial tritium-labeled snow-melt study with the hydrology
group. Unfortunately the initial experiment was interrupted by
overflow water flushing out the runoff plot under study, but the
experience gained will allow more effective design in 1988.
In cooperation with Mark Oswood, we have been monitoring the
movement of carbon from the tundra into the pond system through
runoff transport of dissolved organic carbon and erosion of peat.
We are also considering the movement of organic nitrogen and have
analyzed a detailed suite of samples from the summer-87
hydrologic season. Work-up of these data is in progress.
This proposal seeks funding to conclude this phase of data
collection and analysis of collected samples. The remainder of
the year will be spent synthesizing the collected data and
writing manuscripts. The synthesis process will enable the
identification of data gaps and will show the most productive
directions for future studies. If the focus shifts from the
current intensive study site to the coastal plain of the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge, we will be able to incorporate the
information gained into the extensive site studies with minimum
start-up time.
PROGRESS TO DATE
The data obtained in this work has continued to provide a
fascinating insight into the workings of the aquatic ecosystem.
By far the largest energy source available to aquatic fauna of
Imnavait Creek is the dissolved organic matter transported from
the slopes to the streams by runoff, whereas in the larger
rivers, eroded particulate organic matter predominates. To date,
however, we do not know the temporal origin of the dissolved
organic matter, i.e. is it derived from organic carbon fixed in
the past season, past few years or is it derived from vegetative
debris produced over many years. Radiocarbon analysis of the
organic matter may yield the answer but the samples require
tandem accelerator analysis and to date we are still awaiting3
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Schell, D.M. Energy flow in an arctic aquatic ecosystem, report, January 1, 1988; United States. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1187024/m1/2/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.