Approaches to advancescientific understanding of macrosystems ecology

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 12(1):15-23

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1890/130019· OSTI ID:1129321

Levy, Ofir; Ball, Becky; Bond-Lamberty, Benjamin; Cheruvelil, Kendra; Finley, Andrew O.; Lottig, Noah; Punyasena, Surangi W.; Xiao, Jingfeng; Zhou, Jizhong; Buckley, Lauren B.; Filstrup, Christopher T.; Keitt, Tim H.; Kellner, James R.; Knapp, Alan K.; Richardson, Andrew D.; Tcheng, David; Toomey, Michael; Vargas, Rodrigo; Voordeckers, James W.; Wagner, Tyler ; Williams, John W.

Macrosystem ecological studies inherently investigate processes that interact across multiple spatial and temporal scales, requiring intensive sampling and massive amounts of data from diverse sources to incorporate complex cross-scale and hierarchical interactions. Inherent challenges associated with these characteristics include high computational demands, data standardization and assimilation, identification of important processes and scales without prior knowledge, and the need for large, cross-disciplinary research teams that conduct long-term studies. Therefore, macrosystem ecology studies must utilize a unique set of approaches that are capable of encompassing these methodological characteristics and associated challenges. Several case studies demonstrate innovative methods used in current macrosystem ecology studies.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1129321
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-90793; KP1703030
• Journal Information: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 12(1):15-23, Journal Name: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 12(1):15-23
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

macrosystems ecology
data management
ecology