Geology-based priority ecosystem science projects
Integrated biogeochemical studies in the Everglades (Priority Ecosystem Science)
- The major objectives of this project are to use
an integrated biogeochemical approach to examine:
- anthropogenic induced changes in the water chemistry (quality) of the Everglades ecosystem
- biogeochemical processes within the ecosystem affecting water chemistry
- predicted impacts of restoration efforts on water chemistry. Field areas include Water Conservation Areas 1 (Loxahatchee NWR), 2, and 3 USFWS (Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge) provides in-kind services.
William Oren, borem@usgs.gov, Reston, VA
Development and stability of Everglades tree islands, ridge and slough, and marl prairies (Priority Ecosystem Science)
- This project is designed to document temporal
and spatial changes in plant communities from predrainage time through
the 20th century, evaluate the stability of the systems in light of
natural and anthropogenic changes, and examine other parameters of
interest to the resource management community, such as sediment accretion
rates. This information is to support the Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration plan. USFWS (Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge) benefits
indirectly without payment.
Debra Willard, dwillard@usgs.gov, Reston, VA
