Research

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Research

The ENRI-SIL is a state-of-the-art analytical facility that uses stable isotopes (δD, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O) to understand biological, hydrologic, climatic and atmospheric processes on short and long time scales.We have extensive research and analytical experience in the following areas:

  • Precipitation, riverine, and lacustrine water analysis (δ18O & δD).
  • Leaf and plant level carbon (δ13C), water (δ18O & δD) and nutrient relations (δ15N) in response to natural gradients, invasive species and climate change.
  • Marine-terrestrial nutrient cycle linkages and tracing marine-derived nutrients in Salmon-rich ecosystems (δ15N, δ34S ).
  • Metabolic processes of small arctic mammals (δ18O & δD).
  • Avian migratory dynamics (δD, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O).
  • Predator-prey trophic level interactions and food web studies (δ13C, δ15N).

 SIL Research 1

SIL Research 2

The laboratory is leading the analysis of precipitation samples collected each Tuesday across the United States as a part of the US Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (USNIP) (δ18O & δD). The lab shares a strong collaboration with the National Atmospheric Deposition Network (NADP) as part of the USNIP.

Current Research Conducted by the ENRI SIL includes:

  • Wolf use of salmon and moose as prey species in Alaska – A multi-National Park study of predatory-prey relations in AK.
  • Polar bear use of terrestrial food sources in Northern AK – A study of the extent to which climate change has altered the feeding habits of polar bears in northern AK.
  • US Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (USNIP) – A continental-scale study of how changes in storm tracks, climate oscillations and temperature affect the geochemistry of rain and snow across the US and AK.
  • Comparative feeding ecology of low and high Arctic sea birds – a comparison of the feeding behavior of sea birds in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to those in NW Greenland.
  • Copper River watershed linkages with the Gulf of Alaska – understanding the role of glacial melt water in driving the delivery of freshwater and nutrients to the Gulf of AK.
  • Biogeochemistry and paleoecology of freshwater systems – Climate change and the importance of salmon-derived nutrients to freshwater and watershed productivity.
  • International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) – Arctic and alpine tundra plant ecophysiological responses to natural and simulated changes in climate.
  • Hibernation physiology – how sub-arctic and arctic hibernating mammals survive though winter and adjust their metabolism.
  • Permafrost melt water use by plants – how thawing permafrost in the tundra and taiga alter water relations and use of water sources by woody and herbaceous plants.
  • Migratory dynamics and food webs of waterfowl – isotope analysis of bird feathers to reveal diet and habitat choice.
  • High Arctic bird feeding ecology in western Greenland.
  • White fronted gosling population differentiation between close proximity refuges in Alaska.