Ecosystem Science Division
Carol A. Wessman, Division Director
Long term field studies are being conducted at the Niwot Ridge LTER site while laboratory studies continue on microbial mutation pathways that may lead to new techniques for bioremediation of the environment. Research topics include land use changes, biogeochemistry, the carbon budget, and biosphere-atmosphere exchange. Other areas of research include nutrient and pollutant studies in lakes and streams, improvements in catalyst technology, and biogenic emissions of important trace gases to the atmosphere. Protection of crops against frost and the development of new chromatography detectors and techniques are other areas of current interest in which CIRES scientists are conducting pioneering research.
