Burning of fossil fuel, deforestation, and other activities of modern civilization are increasing the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. Unfortunately, CO2 is one of the gases that may cause global warming in the future. Additionally, CO2 affects how plants grow, and how groups of plants interact in ecosystems. Therefore, it is important for scientists to understand the factors that influence the production and movement of CO2 in the earth and atmosphere. This knowledge will help people and their governments prevent undesirable environmental changes. Some of the CO2 in the air comes from the soil. Plant roots and soil microorganisms produce CO2 gas during an important biological process called ''soil respiration''. The CO2 gas then percolates up outof the soil into the atmosphere. Scientists in Kansas will use special instruments to measure soil respiration from a tallgrass prairie. Big tent-like chambers are used to fumigate the air above the prairie with CO2 in order to artificially create a highCO2 environment. By measuring soil respiration inside the CO2 tents, the scientists will be able to predict if more or less CO2 will come form the soil in the future. This information will also help other scientists who are studying global warming and otherenvironmental problems.
Environmental physics, field-scale carbon budgets, global climate change, instrumentation development, effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 on energy and mass transport, turbulent transport from sparse vegetation, and soil- plant-water relations.
Ecosystem Studies, Environmental Biology, Global Carbon Cycle
