Synthesizing functioning and connectivity of ecosystems across the globe: a carbon-based picture
We need a mechanistic understanding of ecosystem functioning to understand and anticipate ecosystem response to global changes. This functioning relies both on local biological fluxes (e.g., production, decomposition) and on spatial flows connecting ecosystems. In this seminar, I will first present a global data synthesis based on carbon stocks and fluxes, in which I compare ecosystem functioning across ecosystem and climate types. Then I will show a second broad data synthesis, on cross-ecosystem flows of carbon. I will assess the importance of these spatial flows to local ecosystem functioning through a quantitative comparison with local fluxes. I will conclude by highlighting insights brought by these empirical data to meta-ecosystem theory, and on the next steps to move forward.
Host: Gabriel Singer