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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Data for Stetten et al. (2025), "Biogeochemical controls on iron speciation and cycling across upland to shoreline gradients in freshwater and estuarine coastal soils (Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay, United States)"

Coastal environments are dynamic interfaces that mediate carbon and nutrient exchanges between terrestrial landscapes and open waters, but it is unclear how biogeochemical reactions, in particular iron (Fe) redox transformations, affect the understanding and prediction of coastal ecosystem functions. This dataset includes measurements from two freshwater sites in the Western and Central basins of Lake Erie (Ohio, United States) and two estuarine sites in the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland, United States); the analytical results were reported by Stetten et al. (2025) in Science of the Total Environment. It was produced as part of the COMPASS-FME project, which seeks to advance a scalable, predictive understanding of the fundamental biogeochemical processes, ecological structure, and ecosystem dynamics that distinguish coastal terrestrial-aquatic interfaces from the purely terrestrial or aquatic systems to which they are coupled. The sites were sampled in November 2022 (CRC), December 2022 (MSM), February 2023 (GCW), and March 2023 (OWC); site codes follow those used by Pennington et al. (2025).The dataset consists of the following soil data:- Solid data (Fe concentration, etc.)- Porewater data (sulfate, sulfide, etc.)- Linear combination fitting results of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra; i.e., quantitative results of the oxidation state of Fe, indicated as a proportion of pure Fe(III) and Fe(II) model compounds- Linear combination fitting results of EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) spectra, indicated as proportion of of Fe-model compounds (illite, smectite, etc.)Each data type has a single file in comma-separated value (CSV) format. No special software is required to read it.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Predicted aboveground biomass of Typha angustifolia in an upland brackish tidal marsh, PIE LTER, Byfield, MA (2022-2024)

This dataset contains predicted monthly aboveground Typha angustifolia biomass per sample and per square meter in a brackish tidal marsh site dominated by Typha angustifolia near the Parker River in the upper estuary of the Plum Island Sound, Massachusetts (MA) during the growing seasons (May-September) of 2022, 2023, and 2024. This site is also located within the Plum Island Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research Station (PIE LTER). Allometric equations were developed from dry weight data and associated maximum heights collected in 2022 and 2023. The goal of this study was to investigate the difference in aboveground biomass between the site’s marsh interior (MI) and the creek bank (CB). Metadata files (Typha_biomass_predictions_dd.csv and Typha_biomass_predictions_flmd.csv) contain detailed information on variable definitions, calculations, sampling methods, and the location of the site.

DATE↗
NASA NTRS1969

Analysis of urban residential environments using color infrared aerial photography: An examination of socioeconomic variables and physical characteristics of selected areas in the Los Angeles basin, with addendum: An application of the concepts of the Los Angeles residential environment study to the Ontario-Upland region of California

Aerial photographs taken with color infrared film were used to differentiate various types of residential areas in the Los Angeles basin, using characteristics of the physical environment which vary from one type of residential area to another. Residential areas of varying quality were classified based on these characteristics. Features of the physical environment, identifiable on CIR aerial photography were examined to determine which of these are the best indicators of quality of residential areas or social areas, as determined by the socioeconomic characteristics of the inhabitants of the selected areas. Association between several physical features and the socioeconomic variables was found to exist.

Mullens, R. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Distribution and timing of thick transient air-fall deposits in Electris: Implications for the nature of the upland plains

A large area in the Electris region of Mars is (or once was) covered by an unconformable and etched deposit. Although interpreted as lava filling volcano-tectonic depressions or fluvial deposits filling large degraded craters, more recent work has shown the deposit is more likely the result of air-fall deposition. Crater densities on both the surface of the deposit and on exhumed, underlying ridged plains indicate that the deposit was emplaced and eroded over a relatively short time. These crater statistics also demonstate that the relative age of the Electris deposit is similar to those obtained for other unconformable deposits, thereby suggesting they may be related.

Grant, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Mantle flow tectonics - The influence of a ductile lower crust and implications for the formation of topographic uplands on Venus

The crust and mantle of Venus can be represented by a model of a layered structure stratified in both density and viscosity. This structure consists of a brittle-elastic upper crustal layer; a ductile weaker crustal layer; a strong upper mantle layer, about 10 percent denser than the crust; and a weaker substrate, representing the portion of the mantle in which convective flow occurs which is a primary source of large-scale topographic and tectonic features. This paper examines the interactions between these four layers and the mantle flow driven by thermal or compositional variations. Solutions are found for a flow driven by a buoyancy-force distribution within the mantle and by relief at the surface and crust-mantle boundary. It is shown that changes in crustal thickness are driven by vertical normal stresses due to mantle flow and by shear coupling of horizontal mantle flow into the crust.

Bindschadler, Duane L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Global correlation of volcanic centers on Venus with uplands and with extension: Influence of mantle convection and altitude

The observed distribution of volcanism on Venus and its associations with geologic and tectonic characteristics are examined for significant global-scale tectonic, mantle, and volcanic influences. We find that volcanic centers are correlated geologically with zones of extension, infrequent in lowland regions, and infrequent in regions with evidence for tectonic shortening. In addition, volcanic centers are significantly concentrated in a broad region at least 10,000 km in diameter between Beta, Alta, and Themis Regiones. This area is nearly hemispheric in scale and coincides spatially with the area of greatest concentration of extensional characteristics. Our analysis suggests that the observed distribution patterns of volcanic centers reflect the regional patterns of extension, the origin of the extension and volcanism are closely related, and the hemispheric scale of both patterns implies a deep-seated origin such as large-scale interior mantle dynamic patterns. However, altitude-dependent effects on both the formation and preservation of volcanic centers could also strongly influence the observed distribution pattern.

Crumpler, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS2000

BOREAS TGB-3 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data over NSA Upland Sites

The BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study Trace Gas Biogeochemistry (BOREAS TGB-3) team collected methane and carbon dioxide (CH4, CO2) chamber flux measurements at the Northern Study Area (NSA) Fen, Old Black Spruce (OBS), Young Jack Pine (YJP), and auxiliary sites along Gillam Road and the 1989 burn site. Gas samples were extracted from chambers and analyzed at the NSA lab facility approximately every 7 days during May to September 1994 and June to October 1996. The data are provided in tabular ASCII files.

Savage, Kathleen↗
NASA NTRS2002

Shergottite Impact Melt Glasses Contain Soil from Martian Uplands

Martian meteorite (shergottite) impact melt glasses that contain high concentrations of martian atmospheric noble gases and show significant variations in Sr-87/Sr-86 isotopic ratios are likely to contain Martian surface fines mixed with coarser regolith materials. The mixed soil constituents were molten due to shock at the time of meteoroid impact near the Martian surface and the molten glass got incorporated into the voids and cracks in some shergottite meteorites. Earlier, Rao et al. found large enrichments of sulfur (sulfate) during an electron-microprobe study of several impact melt glass veins and pods in EET79001,LithC thin sections. As sulfur is very abundant in Martian soil, these S excesses were attributed to the mixing of a soil component containing aqueously altered secondary minerals with the LithC precursor materials prior to impact melt generation. Recently, we studied additional impact melt glasses in two basaltic shergottites, Zagami and Shergotty using procedures similar to those described by Rao et al. Significant S enrichments in Zagami and Shergotty impact melt glass veins similar to the EET79001, LithC glasses were found. In addition, we noticed the depletion of the mafic component accompanied by the enrichment of felsic component in these impact melt glass veins relative to the bulk host rock in the shergottites. To explain these observations, we present a model based on comminution of basaltic rocks due to meteroid bombardment on martian regolith and mechanical fractionation leading to enrichment of felsics and depletion of mafics in the fine grained dust which is locally mobilized as a result of saltation and deflation due to the pervasive aeolian activity on Mars.

Rao, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Shergottite Impact Melt Glasses Contain Soil from Martian Uplands

Martian meteorite (shergottite) impact melt glasses that contain high concentrations of martian atmospheric noble gases and show significant variations in Sr-87/Sr-86 isotopic ratios are likely to contain Martian surface fines mixed with coarser regolith materials. The mixed soil constituents were molten due to shock at the time of meteoroid impact near the Martian surface and the molten glass got incorporated into the voids and cracks in some shergottite meteorites. Earlier, Rao et al. found large enrichments of sulfur (sulfate) during an electron-microprobe study of several impact melt glass veins and pods in EET79001,LithC thin sections. As sulfur is very abundant in Martian soil, these S excesses were attributed to the mixing of a soil component containing aqueously altered secondary minerals with the LithC precursor materials prior to impact melt generation. Recently, we studied additional impact melt glasses in two basaltic shergottites, Zagami and Shergotty using procedures similar to those described. Significant S enrichments in Zagami and Shergotty impact melt glass veins similar to the EET79001, LithC glasses were found. In addition, we noticed the depletion of the mafic component accompanied by the enrichment of felsic component in these impact melt glass veins relative to the bulk host rock in the shergottites. To explain these observations, we present a model based on comminution of basaltic rocks due to meteoroid bombardment on martian regolith and mechanical fractionation leading to enrichment of felsics and depletion of mafics in the fine grained dust which is locally mobilized as a result of saltation and deflation due to the pervasive aeolian activity on Mars.

Rao, M. N.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Changing Interactions Between Trace Gas Fluxes, Belowground Chemistry, and Plant Traits Across an Arctic Thermokarst Landscape

Arctic permafrost soils are increasingly subject to thermokarst that is, abrupt ground subsidence caused by thaw. Wetlands can form within these depressions, leading to changes in organic matter decomposition and gas fluxes (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, NH 3 ). Thermokarst wetlands tend to be dominated by graminoids, while surrounding upland tussock tundra tends to be dominated by mixed communities of shrubs and graminoids. Here, to investigate how thermokarst alters the land-atmosphere exchange of C and N gases in Arctic tundra, we analyzed soil, porewater, above- and belowground biomass, and measured gas fluxes across dominant plant functional types (PFTs) within a lowland thermokarst wetland and adjacent upland tussock tundra. Both locations were overall sinks of CO 2 , sources of CH 4 , and sources of both N 2 O and NH 3 . We found that thermokarst wetlands emitted enough CH 4 to generate a positive radiative forcing in CO 2 equivalents (+1.2 μmol m −2 s −1 CO 2 -eq), counteracting the high CO 2 uptake. In contrast, the upland tussock tundra had a net negative radiative forcing (−1.2 μmol m −2 s −1 CO 2 -eq). Differences in gas flux and soil chemistry between upland and lowland are primarily driven by flooded conditions present in thermokarst wetland. Additionally, root biomass from graminoids across both lowlands and uplands significantly correlated with CH 4 fluxes, supporting previous observations of plant-mediated transport of CH 4 . Graminoid cover was correlated with increases in low molecular weight dissolved organic carbon, possibly associated with root exudates that fuel methanogenesis. Forb cover in the upland tussock tundra was significantly correlated with nine soil chemical variables, indicating that forbs may influence local soil chemistry or conversely, that soil chemistry controls where forbs grow. Overall, our findings indicate the variability in gas fluxes in the upland tussock tundra is partially controlled by PFT cover, while thermokarst wetlands emit enough CH 4 to counteract CO 2 uptake, with implications for carbon budget changes in Arctic systems.

Land-atmosphere feedback↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cold acclimation threshold induction temperatures of switchgrass ecotypes grown under a long and short photoperiod

Abstract Plants can cold acclimate to enhance their freezing tolerance by sensing declining temperature and photoperiod cues. However, the factors influencing genotypic variation in the induction of cold acclimation are poorly understood among perennial grasses. We hypothesized that the more northern upland switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) ecotype develops a higher degree of freezing tolerance by initiating cold acclimation at higher temperatures as compared with the coastal and southern lowland ecotypes. First, we determined the optimal method for assessing freezing tolerance and the length of exposure to 8/4°C required to induce the maximum level of freezing tolerance in the most northern upland and most southern lowland genotypes. We characterized the maximum freezing tolerance of eight uplands, three coastal and five lowland genotypes grown for 21 days at 8/4°C and a 10 or 16 h photoperiod. Next, we identified the temperature required to induce cold acclimation by exposing the 16 genotypes for 7 days at 20–6°C constant temperatures under a 10 or 16 h photoperiod. Cold acclimation initiated at temperatures 5 and 7°C higher in upland than in coastal and lowland genotypes. Among upland genotypes the shorter photoperiod induced cold acclimation at a 1°C higher temperature. Genotypes originating from a more northern latitude initiate cold acclimation at higher temperatures and develop higher maximum freezing tolerances. An earlier response to declining temperatures may provide the upland ecotype with additional time to prepare for winter and provide an advantage when plants are subjected to the rapid changes in fall temperature associated with injurious frosts.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Short-Term Groundwater Level Fluctuations Drive Subsurface Redox Variability

As global change processes modify the extent and functions of terrestrial-aquatic interfaces, the variability of critical and dynamic transitional zones between wetlands and uplands increases. However, it is still unclear how fluctuating water levels at these dynamic boundaries alter groundwater biogeochemical cycling. Here, we used high-temporal resolution data along gradients from wetlands to uplands and during fluctuating water levels at freshwater coastal areas to capture spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater redox potential (E h ). We observed that topography influences groundwater E h that is higher in uplands than wetlands; however, the high variability within TAI zones challenged the establishment of distinct redox zonation. Declining water levels generally decreased E h , but most locations exhibited significant E h variability, which is associated with rare instances of short-term water level fluctuations introducing oxygen. The E h -oxygen relationship showed distinct hysteresis patterns, reflecting redox poising capacity at higher E h , maintaining more oxidizing states longer than dissolved oxygen presence. Surprisingly, we observed more frequent oxidizing states in transitional areas and wetlands than in uplands. We infer that occasional oxygen entering specific wetland-upland boundaries acts as critical biogeochemical control points. Finally, high-resolution data can capture such rare yet significant biogeochemical instances, supporting redox-informed models and advancing the predictability of climate change feedback.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hanford Site Rare Plant Monitoring Report for Calendar Year 2022

Rare plants are monitored on the Hanford Site as distribution and abundance data of current and historic rare plant populations are necessary to make well-informed environmental and ecological resource management decisions. The Central Hanford Rare Plant Management Plan (DOE/RL-2021-35) guides rare plant monitoring methodology in the context of resource management at the Hanford Site. In 2022, a rare plant monitoring effort occurred on the portion of the Hanford Site (referred to herein as Central Hanford) managed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL; Figure 1). The goal of this effort was to revisit known occurrences of upland rare plant populations on Central Hanford to improve baseline information on locations of rare plant populations on the Hanford Site. Rare upland plants were thoroughly surveyed in 2021 but unusually low precipitation that year limited germination of many upland annual plants. Surveys in 2022 focused on rare upland annual species after the Hanford Site received higher than average spring precipitation that was expected to increase germination. Rainfall from April 2022 to June 2022 was 76% higher than average; however, these months were also colder than average. Winter rainfall from January 2022 to March 2022 was 84% lower than average. The high spring precipitation in 2022 appears to have triggered the germination of some populations of rare upland annuals but the dry winter and cold spring may have inhibited others. Population stability, viability, and threats were evaluated and will be used to inform future management of rare plant species.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar spectral types.

Results of observations of the spectral reflectance properties (0.3 to 1.1 micron) of a number of lunar mare, upland, and bright crater areas with the use of ground-based telescopes. These new data are discussed in view of earlier studies in an attempt to provide a basis for more detailed interpretation. The spectral reflectivity curves (0.3 to 1.1 micron) for all lunar areas studied consist of a positive sloping continuum with a superimposed symmetric absorption band centered at 0.95 micron. Upland, mare, and bright crater materials can be identified by their spectral curves. The curves for upland and mare regions show a range of shapes from fresh, bright craters to progressively darker background material that correlates with the apparent age of the surface features. The observed upland material has uniform spectral properties, but the mare material shows some variety, probably due to Ti(3+) dispersed in lunar-soil glass. Copernicus and Aristarchus appear to have exposed upland material from beneath the mare but Kepler has not. This observation suggests that the mare is no deeper than about 15 km in the Copernicus area and about 6 km deep in the Aristarchus area, but in the Kepler area the mare must be at least about 5 km deep.

Mccord, T. B.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Disturbance legacies regulate coastal forest soil stability to changing salinity and inundation: A soil transplant experiment

Coastal forests worldwide are vulnerable to a dramatic transition from upland to wetland as sea-level rise accelerates and regimes of precipitation and storms change. However, the biogeochemical impacts of shifting salinity and inundation disturbance that foreshadow forest to wetland state transitions are largely unknown. This experiment used a natural salinity gradient in a tidal creek in eastern Maryland, U.S.A., to examine how soil respiration and chemistry may change under novel salinity and inundation disturbance regimes. Soil monoliths were transplanted in a reciprocal design among plots varying in seawater exposure and elevation above the creek. We monitored the monoliths’ carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) flux for two years and performed soil chemical analyses at the end of the experiment. Soil CO 2 flux was affected by changing disturbance regimes and responses were dependent upon the salinity and inundation legacies associated with each study location. Lowland soil CO 2 flux was resistant to changing salinity and inundation disturbance, with transplanted soil monolith chemistry composition in between that of its origin and destination. Conversely, upland soil CO 2 flux was sensitive to changing salinity and inundation disturbance and remained suppressed throughout the 2-year study when exposed to wetter, saline conditions. Additionally, transplanted upland soil chemistry composition was like that of its destination, rather than origin, with upland soils displaying higher pH, base saturation, and nutrient availability relative to lowland soils. Here, we hypothesize that reductions in soil respiration rates were driven by loss of soil nutrients and osmotic and redox stress on microbial communities following exposure to seawater. Together, our results suggest that disturbance legacies shape coastal forest soil responses to changing salinity and inundation disturbance regimes. However, fully understanding the dependence of system responses on disturbance legacies requires future study across a variety of systems and spatial and temporal scales.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Groundwater regulates interannual variations in evapotranspiration in a riparian semiarid ecosystem

Dryland ecosystems are an important component of Earth’s carbon, water, and energy budgets. Changes in hydroclimatic conditions can significantly alter land surface fluxes in these ecosystems. In regions with groundwater-river water exchange, land surface fluxes are strongly modulated by groundwater table fluctuations in response to river stage variations; however, interactions between fluxes and groundwater remain poorly understood in drylands. Here, we use eddy covariance data collected in paired upland and riparian semiarid ecosystems during two years with contrasting river flow conditions to examine interactions among river stage conditions, water table dynamics, meteorological drivers, and ecosystem fluxes. Elevated groundwater availability resulting from groundwater-surface water exchange at the riparian site enhanced the latent heat flux (LE, the energy form of evapotranspiration), which was sustained longer in the growing season during both years. At the upland site, mean LE during the dry season differed by less than 2% between the two years. In contrast, at the riparian site contrasting river flow conditions resulted in a 41% difference in peak monthly LE between the two years. The two-year mean LE in the summer at the riparian site was twice that at the upland site. Carbon uptake (NEP) and LE were well correlated at the upland site during both years, but at the riparian site enhanced summertime LE during the high river flow year did not correspond t enhanced NEP. Our results demonstrate that enhanced groundwater availability modulated by river stage variability is a critical driver of land surface fluxes in semiarid riparian ecosystems.

Missik, Justine E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Raccoon spatial ecology in the rural southeastern United States

The movement ecology of raccoons varies widely across habitats with important implications for the management of zoonotic diseases such as rabies. However, the spatial ecology of raccoons remains poorly understood in many regions of the United States, particularly in the southeast. To better understand the spatial ecology of raccoons in the southeastern US, we investigated the role of sex, season, and habitat on monthly raccoon home range and core area sizes in three common rural habitats (bottomland hardwood, upland pine, and riparian forest) in South Carolina, USA. From 2018–2022, we obtained 264 monthly home ranges from 46 raccoons. Mean monthly 95% utilization distribution (UD) sizes ranged from 1.05 ± 0.48 km 2 (breeding bottomland females) to 5.69 ± 3.37 km 2 (fall riparian males) and mean monthly 60% UD sizes ranged from 0.25 ± 0.15 km 2 (breeding bottomland females) to 1.59 ± 1.02 km 2 (summer riparian males). Males maintained home range and core areas ~2–5 times larger than females in upland pine and riparian habitat throughout the year, whereas those of bottomland males were only larger than females during the breeding season. Home ranges and core areas of females did not vary across habitats, whereas male raccoons had home ranges and core areas ~2–3 times larger in upland pine and riparian compared to bottomland hardwood throughout much of the year. The home ranges of males in upland pine and riparian are among the largest recorded for raccoons in the United States. Such large and variable home ranges likely contribute to elevated risk of zoonotic disease spread by males in these habitats. These results can be used to inform disease mitigation strategies in the southeastern United States.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Data for: Time to anoxia: Observations and predictions of oxygen drawdown following coastal flood events

This dataset contains data and code associated with the paper Patel et al. "Time to anoxia: Observations and predictions of oxygen drawdown following coastal flood events".The coastal terrestrial-aquatic interface (TAI) is a highly dynamic system characterized by strong physical, chemical, and biological gradients. In particular, shifting soil redox conditions and consumption of terminal electron acceptors, due in part to dynamic hydrologic conditions, is a strong driver of carbon availability and transformations across TAIs. However, while redox dynamics are well described, our ability to quantitatively forecast rates of oxic to anoxic shifts in soils with different characteristics and inundation regimes is limited. We integrated field measurements, laboratory incubations, and model simulations to improve mechanistic understanding of oxygen consumption dynamics in coastal soils. Continuous in situ monitoring unexpectedly revealed that flooding caused temporary spikes in subsurface dissolved oxygen followed by rapid consumption in the wetlands. To further investigate these mechanisms in a controlled setting, we performed laboratory incubations using surface and subsurface soils from a TAI gradient (defined here as upland forest to transitional forest to wetland) in Western Lake Erie to measure oxygen consumption rates in TAI soils during flood events. In our experiments, wetland soils reached anoxia the fastest, in ∼ 9 h on average, whereas upland soils turned anoxic in ∼ 18 h. Subsurface upland soils did not turn anoxic even after two weeks of saturation in the lab, and their oxygen consumption patterns suggested carbon and/or nutrient limitation. These results are consistent with in-situ groundwater redox and oxygen measurements in the field, where wetland soils exhibited the highest rates of oxygen consumption along the TAI. Model simulations of oxygen consumption suggested that oxygen consumption had stronger abiotic controls in wetland soils but stronger biotic controls in upland soils, providing a useful framework for future incubation experiments. Microbial activity is a strong driver of oxygen consumption in TAI soils, although it is constrained by the availability of dissolved carbon in subsurface soils.This dataset contains a compressed (.zip) archive of the data and R scripts used for this manuscript. The dataset includes files in .csv format, which can be accessed and processed using MS Excel or R. This archive can also be accessed on GitHub at https://github.com/COMPASS-DOE/cmps-time_to_anoxia (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10815374).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗