Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Science Behind Climate Change: A Journey To Reedy Glacier, Brenda L. Hall, Molly Schauffler

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

This Communicating Research to Public Audiences project focuses on the Reedy Glacier Antarctic research of Brenda Hall (OPP 0229034) and its relevance to the residents of and visitors to Maine. Collaborators include the University of Maine, the Maine Discovery Museum, the Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain Sports (an environmentally active retail company with several stores around the state). The primary deliverable is the development of an interactive software program that presents information and experiences in a two-tiered concept approach -- on the Reedy Glacier and its connection to Maine and on the process of science. The software is being …

Mechanisms Controlling Metal And Phosphorus Dynamics In An Experimentally Acidified Watershed In Maine, Ivan J. Fernandez

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The Bear Brook Watershed in Maine (BBWM) is a long-term (14+ years), whole-watershed experiment designed to study ecosystem responses to acid deposition. One watershed has been treated bimonthly by helicopter with nitrogen and sulfur since 1989. Results have documented progressive acidification of soils and streams, substantial losses of soil nutrients (e.g., calcium), increased nitrogen cycling, and changes in tree foliar chemistry. Little research has been done on phosphorus, a critical nutrient in ecosystems. This project will evaluate the effects of long-term watershed acidification on metal mobilization (focusing on aluminum and iron) and linked effects on phosphorus at BBWM by studying …

Maine's Climate Future: An Initial Assessment, George L. Jacobson, Ivan J. Fernandez, Paul Andrew Mayewski, Catherine V. Schmitt

Earth Science Faculty Scholarship

Earth’s atmosphere is experiencing unprecedented changes that are modifying global climate. Discussions continue around the world, the nation, and in Maine on how to reduce and eventually eliminate emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), other greenhouse gases, and other pollutants to the atmosphere, land, and oceans. These efforts are vitally important and urgent. However, even if a coordinated response succeeds in eliminating excess greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the century, something that appears highly unlikely today, climate change will continue, because the elevated levels of CO2 can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years to come.

In late …

Maine Forest Landowner Study, James Acheson

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

One of the most important questions for resource management is, under what conditions will users conserve the resources on which their livelihood depends? This project studies the forest management strategies of different types of forest landowner groups in Maine. Some owners are doing a far better job of managing their forests sustainably than are others. The quality of management practices is a crucial issues at this time, because the rapid depletion of forests is a world-wide problem. Maine is a particularly good laboratory to study forest management issues because it is the most heavily forested state in the country, and …