CZ RCN: Research Coordination in Carbonate Critical Zones

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Abstract

The Critical Zone, defined as the thin layer of Earth's surface between the top of vegetation and the bottom of groundwater, is the site of complex interactions among rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms. These interactions provide societal benefits, including life-sustaining resources, primary among them food and water. Processes in the Critical Zone operate over wide range of time scales that depend, in part, on the composition of the underlying bedrock. Silicate minerals that break down slowly comprise much of the bedrock, but carbonate minerals in limestone tend to react quickly, commonly leaving large voids that facilitate the transfer of water through the Critical Zone. The current Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) network lacks a site that contains significant amounts of carbonate bedrock. This Research Coordination Network will foster discussion among researchers about Critical Zones with elevated carbonate mineral contents, evaluate how properties and processes of carbonate-rich Critical Zones can be generalized to other lithologies, and integrate these findings with results from the CZO network. A principal goal of this project is to create a Research Coordination Network (RCN) in which researchers can evaluate Critical-Zone properties and processes that are endemic to Critical Zones in carbonate terrains. A related and equally important goal is to integrate new findings with on-going research within the CZO network. These goals will be achieved through four primary technical objectives: (1) compile available data and models stemming from current research ;(2) convene workshops, in the field and at major disciplinary conferences to explore new research directions; (3) build capacity in state- of-the-art techniques used to study carbonate Critical Zones; (4) use data compilation, workshop participation, and training to advance knowledge of properties and processes in all Critical-Zone environments. Outcomes of these objectives will include expanding knowledge of how relative amounts of carbonate and silicate minerals may cause different properties and processes in the Critical Zone between regions. This Research Coordination Network will also develop human capital of Critical-Zone science by including underrepresented groups in all project activities and by research collaborations created during workshops. Outcomes will be disseminated among the research community through workshop reports, a series of three peer-reviewed papers, and the project website. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.