PhD project: Effects of climate change on dynamics of concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON).

Instituttt for plante- og miljøvitenskap

PhD student: Kari Austnes
Supervisor(s): Jan Mulder, Arne Stuanes, Gunnhild Riise, Richard F. Wright (NIVA)
Duration: 2004-2008

Climate change is expected to affect the dynamics and leaching of dissolved organic matter (DOM). This can be related to both higher temperature, causing increased metabolism, increased summer precipitation, causing changes in moisture conditions and hydrological patterns, and less snow in the winter, causing freezing/thawing cycles and hydrological changes. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) has been less extensively studied than dissolved organic carbon (DOC). DON can act as a nutrient source in aquatic and marine ecosystems. Leaching of DON may also contribute to nitrogen depletion in terrestrial systems.

Main objective:
Quantify and explain the effects of changes in climatic factors on dynamics of concentrations and fluxes of DON, in particular in relation to
DOC.

Sub-objectives:
1. Identify and quantify the dominant processes that determine the effects of changes in climatic factors on DON dynamics relative to DOC and DIN (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) dynamics.
2. Quantify and explain spatial and temporal variation in DON concentrations and fluxes relative to DOC and DIN concentrations and fluxes, from headwater catchments to watercourse scales, and predict effects of changes in climatic factors.


Updated: 03.04.06
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