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Courses at the LEES Lab

GEO892-001: Advanced Research in Geography

3 Credits, Spring 2024

Department of Geography, Environment, & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University

Instructor: Dr. Jiquan Chen; Email: jqchen@msu.edu

Guest Lecture

Dr. Gang Dong, MSU; donggang@msu.edu

Time: variable
Office Hour: Monday, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Geography 213; or by appointment
Location: 120 Geography bldg.

Ecosystem models have experienced unprecedented growth over the past 30 years, encompassing diverse processes to predict the magnitudes and dynamics of ecosystem properties. These models are meticulously crafted, employing robust algorithms rooted in meteorological, hydrological, ecological, biogeochemical, and statistical principles. Consequently, they exhibit complexity both in terms of the multitude of processes involved and the intricate interconnections among them. Navigating and applying these models has become increasingly challenging due to their intricate nature. Fortunately, a majority of ecosystem models share common algorithms, such as Farquhar’s photosynthesis equation, the Ball-Berry stomatal conductance algorithm, Michaelis-Menten kinetics, temperature-dependent respiration (Q10), and energy balance. These algorithms find widespread usage across various ecosystem models. This course is designed to elucidate and comprehend major biophysical and empirical modules applied in ecosystem studies. A grasp of these fundamental algorithms facilitates the expeditious application of system models. For model developers, acquiring knowledge about crucial modules is indispensable. This includes understanding their variations, behaviors, parameterization, model performances, strengths, limitations, and more. Such insights are essential for revising and advancing ecosystem models effectively.

Syllabus (to be updated)

Schedule

Date Resources Files
1/8/2024
(5-8 pm)		 Introduction Lec
1/21/2024
(10:00 am - 16:30 pm)		 Scientific writing
ET foundation and modeling (Handout 1: units and key constants); File 1; File 2
Reading: Chapter 4, Monteith 1965, Curtis 1926
Study objectives and milestones
Lec
1/22/2024
(5-8 pm)
  • History of ecosystem modeling; File 1
  • ET foundation (FAO Youtube)
  • Biophysical essentials for ecosystem models
  • Reading: Chapter 1
  • Solar.PY codes
 Lec
2/4/2024
(10:00 am - 16:30 pm)		 Lec
2/5/2024
(5-8 pm)

Wind Profile
Processing EC data and gap filling (Dr. G. Dong)
Photosynthesis Introduction

 Lec
3/10/2024
(10:00 am - 16:30 pm)		 Modeling ecosystem production
Respiration and modeling
 Lec
4/1/2024
(9:00 am - 16:30 pm)		 Field trip: Battle Creek EC tower; KBS (LTER, LTAR, and GLBRC)
Mr. Kevin Kahmark		 Lec
4/7/2024
(10:00 am - 18:00 pm)		 Summary Lec

Reading and Critical References

  • Campbell, G. S., & Norman, J. (2012). An Introduction to Environmental Biophysics. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Curtis, O. F. (1926). What is the significance of transpiration? Science: 63, 267-271. [PDF]
  • Chen, J. (2021). Biophysical Models and Applications in Ecosystem Analysis. Michigan State University Press.
  • Monteith, J. L. (1965). Evaporation and environment. Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology 19: 205-234. [PDF]
  • Robertson, G. P., Paul, E. A., & Harwood, R. R. (2000). Greenhouse gases in intensive agriculture: Contributions of individual gases to the radiative forcing of the atmosphere. Science, 289(5486), 1922-1925.

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    WebPages

    1. The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdwnfPurXcs)
    2. How Wolves Change Rivers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q)
    3. Reference evapotranspiration AquaCrop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtV_RpXsMJI)
    4. Photosynthesis: Fun in the Sun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfLLHQDgpjI)
    5. C4 Plants (https://quizlet.com/ca/341425087/c4-plants-diagram/)