RCN: Biosphere-Atmosphere Stable Isotope Network (BASIN)

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

Research Coordination Network: Biosphere-atmosphere stable isotope network (BASIN) Stable isotope analyses play an important role in improving our understanding of the carbon cycle at both ecosystem and global scales. Ecologists and atmospheric scientists have formed the Biosphere-Atmosphere Stable Isotope Network (BASIN), with several goals: development of common measurement approaches to allow cross-site data comparisons; development of integrated products such as global maps of variations in the isotopic composition of CO2 that can be used for better constraining predictions of global carbon cycle models; workshops to advance understanding and share knowledge; promotion and coordination of regional cross-site studies and web-accessed databases; and opportunities for cross-site training of both beginning and under-represented investigators in the latest methodologies and analytical approaches. BASIN is part of an international effort (Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems, IGBP) to foster, promote, and encourage integration of stable isotope measurements into carbon cycle studies at ecosystem, regional, and global scales.