The
Aspen FACE (Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) Experiment is a multidisciplinary
study to
assess the effects of increasing tropospheric ozone and carbon
dioxide levels on the structure and function of northern forest ecosystems
Located
at the Harshaw Experimental Forest near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the
Aspen FACE Experiment operates as a DOE User Facility,
and is a collaborative effort among the following organizations:
The
Aspen FACE experiment consists of twelve 30m rings in which the concentrations
of carbon dioxide and tropospheric ozone can be controlled. The design
provides the ability to assess the effects of these gasses alone,
and in combination, on many ecosystem attributes, including growth,
leaf development, root characteristics, and soil carbon.
Each
ring consists of a series of vertical ventpipes which disperse carbon
dioxide, ozone or normal air into the center of the ring. This computer
controlled system uses signal feedback technology to adjust gas
release each second in order to maintain a stable, elevated concentration
of carbon dioxide and/or ozone throughout the experimental plot.
Because there is no confinement, there is no significant change
in the natural, ambient environment other than elevating these trace
gas concentrations.
The Aspen FACE Experiment is funded principally by the U.S. Department
of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. Additional
support is from the USFS Global Change Program, Michigan Technological University,
the Canadian Forest Service and the USFS Northern Research Station.
For
more information on this project, contact Dr. Andrew J. Burton (Michigan
Technological University) at (906) 487-2566 or mailto:ajburton@mtu.edu,
or Dr. Mark E. Kubiske (North Central Research Station) at (715) 362-1108
or mailto:mkubiske@nrs.fed.us.
For
questions or suggestions regarding this website, please contact Janet Pikkarainen
at mailto:jmpikkar@mtu.edu or David B. Karnosky
at mailto:dbkarnos@mtu.edu
Last updated: December,
2008
