RIEL seminar series
Two short talks: cane toads and carbon fluxes
Presenter | Dr Francesco Ulloa Cedamanos and Prof Keith Christian | |
---|---|---|
Date |
|
|
Time |
to
|
|
Contact person | E: RIEL.outreach@cdu.edu.au | |
Location |
Yellow 1.1.39 and online Zoom: https://charlesdarwinuni.zoom.us/j/82839949783 |
|
Open to | Public |
Linking terrestrial–aquatic carbon fluxes to rectify the Australian carbon balance, presented by Dr Francesco Ulloa Cedamanos
Despite limited concurrent measurements, the lack of integrated observations leads to overestimation of carbon storage capacity in Australian ecosystems. To improve accuracy, comprehensive approaches encompassing both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are crucial. Our understanding of carbon transport in streams and rivers is limited to periodic sampling, disregarding flow events and seasonal fluctuations. By implementing high-frequency sensors and conducting sampling campaigns near flux towers, we can integrate carbon fluxes and track its fate across ecosystems. In this context, the ARC Discovery Project (DP) aims to develop the first assessment of terrestrial carbon export to streams and rivers across Australia. The project will integrate direct measurements from ecosystem observatories of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) with remote sensing and advanced statistical modelling techniques.
In this seminar, Francesco Ulloa, a post-doctoral researcher at RIEL specialising in freshwater biogeochemistry, will present the strategies that have been adopted to integrate terrestrial and aquatic carbon flux measurements across diverse biomes of Australia by leveraging TERN ecosystem observatories. The seminar will provide insights into the approaches employed in advancing our understanding of carbon dynamics in Australian ecosystems.
Evaporative water loss in cane toads of the world, presented by Prof Keith Christian
Like other “typical” frogs, toads have very high rates of water loss – similar to a free surface of water with the size and shape of a toad. However, a recent publication reported significant resistance to evaporative water loss in cane toads from some populations, but not others. This raised the question – Is this the first instance of the evolution of resistance to water loss in any toad in the world – or is there some other physiological process related to these measurements? In May, we travelled to Queensland to measure toads from different locations, and now we know the answer to that question.
Related Events
Hidden emissions
Read more about Hidden emissionsIn this seminar, Clément will present results from a new database of greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and fluxes in tropical freshwater systems. He will highlight the extreme variability in GHG concentrations and fluxes across the tropics, and the role of small streams, ponds and riparian wetlands as globally significant hotspots of GHG emissions.
'Calling the wind': Blue whales, climate and whale tourism in Timor-Leste
Read more about 'Calling the wind': Blue whales, climate and whale tourism in Timor-LestePrevious studies have identified the major economic potential for whale watching in the developing nation of Timor-Leste. In this seminar, Karen will outline efforts in developing a whale and dolphin ecotourism industry
Marine megafauna research across the remotest sea country in the NT
Read more about Marine megafauna research across the remotest sea country in the NTNatalie and Carol will discuss the Australian Research Council funded Marine Megafauna Project, which focuses on sea country partnerships with eight Indigenous Ranger groups across the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT). The project encompasses work on sea turtles, dolphins and whales.