We seek to improve the process-based understanding of wetland ecosystem function by investigating the links between ecology, soil development, hydrology and carbon biogeochemistry. This information can help us model and manage these ecosystems. Current projects include:
Response of peatland carbon cycling to disturbance
This research investigates carbon dioxide, methane, and dissolved organic carbon fluxes from peatlands affected by disturbance such as drainage, extraction, resource exploration and extraction, restoration and climate change.
Fen construction in a post oil sands landscape
Well-pad restoration to peatland
Impact of linear disturbances on peatland biogeochemistry
Seismic line restoration
Horticultural peat extraction and restoration
Climate change impacts to peatland C exchange
Subsurface methane dynamics in peatlands
This research investigates subsurface dissolved and gaseous methane, its variability in space and time and its release to the atmosphere via ebullition. The effects of entrapped gas on peatland ecosystem function are also considered.
Hydrophysical properties of peat and Sphagnum moss
In many boreal peatlands Sphagnum moss is the major peat forming species. This research investigates the relationship between moisture dynamics in the moss, underlying peat and the resulting impact on Sphagnum productivity and peat accumulation. We also investigate peat properties such as hydraulic conductivity, pore size distribution, bulk density, fiber content and thermal conductivity and variability between peatland microforms, peatland types, climatic regions, and disturbance regimes. This data will be useful for models of peatland development and hydrology.