The role of resource patterning on net methane emissions through different transport pathways in mineral soil wetlands
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Earth and Environmental Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Moon
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Recent studies have shown that methane emissions from wetlands and lakes are large natural contributors to atmospheric methane. For my MS thesis, I aim to develop relationships between methane fluxes from air- soil interface transport pathways (i.e., diffusion and ebullition) and environmental factors in a mesocosm study. A previous study hinted at a significant difference in diffusion when manipulating resource patchiness. We hypothesized that the differences we found were a product of an interaction between resource patchiness and soil structure. Thus, in a new trial of this study I will be incorporating both variation in resource arrangement and soil type, while measuring diffusion and ebullition. Ebullition measurements have not been done at this scale before; I am building new equipment inspired by stationary and floating bubble traps to capture methane during the initial stages of organic matter decomposition. Sampling is scheduled to begin in early summer. This project aims to contribute knowledge in landscape ecology and bettering carbon modeling at larger scales through a controlled mesocosm experiment.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
The role of resource patterning on net methane emissions through different transport pathways in mineral soil wetlands
Recent studies have shown that methane emissions from wetlands and lakes are large natural contributors to atmospheric methane. For my MS thesis, I aim to develop relationships between methane fluxes from air- soil interface transport pathways (i.e., diffusion and ebullition) and environmental factors in a mesocosm study. A previous study hinted at a significant difference in diffusion when manipulating resource patchiness. We hypothesized that the differences we found were a product of an interaction between resource patchiness and soil structure. Thus, in a new trial of this study I will be incorporating both variation in resource arrangement and soil type, while measuring diffusion and ebullition. Ebullition measurements have not been done at this scale before; I am building new equipment inspired by stationary and floating bubble traps to capture methane during the initial stages of organic matter decomposition. Sampling is scheduled to begin in early summer. This project aims to contribute knowledge in landscape ecology and bettering carbon modeling at larger scales through a controlled mesocosm experiment.