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
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane (CH4) in the world, but there is high uncertainty in flux rates across transport pathways (i.e., ebullition, diffusion, and plant-mediated) due to the difficulty of sampling these spatially and temporally dynamic systems. Using mesocosms (i.e., small model wetlands) allows us to isolate key drivers of CH4 emissions. I am investigating the differences in net CH4 emissions through diffusion and ebullition transport pathways after manipulating resource distribution and soil type. Diffusion will be measured using a LiCOR CH4/CO2/H2O trace gas analyzer and ebullition will be measured using an array of small bubble traps set across the surface of the inundated soil. Preparations are currently being made, and sampling is scheduled to begin over the summer. Creating resource patterns such as a clumped or uniform arrangement can help to better understand the role of spatial patterning on net ecosystem function, a challenging area of research in microbial ecology. Manipulating soil type can also give further insight on characteristics that may increase net methane emissions, such as soil cracking, which also has not been thoroughly studied.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
The role of resource patterning on net methane emissions through different transport pathways in mineral soil wetlands
Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane (CH4) in the world, but there is high uncertainty in flux rates across transport pathways (i.e., ebullition, diffusion, and plant-mediated) due to the difficulty of sampling these spatially and temporally dynamic systems. Using mesocosms (i.e., small model wetlands) allows us to isolate key drivers of CH4 emissions. I am investigating the differences in net CH4 emissions through diffusion and ebullition transport pathways after manipulating resource distribution and soil type. Diffusion will be measured using a LiCOR CH4/CO2/H2O trace gas analyzer and ebullition will be measured using an array of small bubble traps set across the surface of the inundated soil. Preparations are currently being made, and sampling is scheduled to begin over the summer. Creating resource patterns such as a clumped or uniform arrangement can help to better understand the role of spatial patterning on net ecosystem function, a challenging area of research in microbial ecology. Manipulating soil type can also give further insight on characteristics that may increase net methane emissions, such as soil cracking, which also has not been thoroughly studied.