Calibrating the data logger…
We use physiological, experimental, theoretical, and observational methods to try to understand what regulates diversity (phylogenetic and functional) and dynamics of subalpine communities and ecosystems at different scales. In particular, we are interested in understanding how diversity influences ecosystem functioning. We are interested in the relative importance of abiotic (namely, climate) and biotic (species interactions, community assembly, and competition) factors in controlling plant community and ecosystem response to climate change. At the largest scales, we study the flux of carbon dioxide from subalpine meadows along an elevational gradient and its relationship to temperature, water availability, plant functional traits and species identity. We also use remote sensing techniques as well as macro ecological approaches to study large scale processes. At the smallest scale, we are studying the mechanisms of community assembly of subalpine meadows.