Public lecture

Geomorphic Evolution of Peatland Streams: Uniquely Boring but Ecologically Critical Landscape...

IAS Residential Fellow Professor Jeffrey A. Nittrouer delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled "Geomorphic Evolution of Peatland Streams: Uniquely Boring but Ecologically Critical Landscape Systems" -

Peatland environments cover 3% of the planet’s land surface, yet possess 30% of its terrestrial organic carbon.  The hydrology of peatlands is critical to establishing carbon-storage capabilities.  The surface-water system consists of lakes and bogs connected by low-sloping streams that transport minimal amounts of inorganic sediment.  Over time, peatland streams aggrade due to accumulation of organic matter, thereby filling their valleys.  We use remote-sensing techniques and field observations to quantify rates of lateral mobility, and these data inform a numerical modeling framework that evaluates migration habit.  A fundamental control on peat stream mobility is inorganic sediment content: Where unconsolidated material is added to the system the stream bed and floodplain aggrade rapidly, driving changes in channel morphology and increasing lateral migration rates.  How such dynamics adjust to scenarios of altered hydrological regimes is discussed; in particular, how changing water and sediment runoff could liberate sequestered organic carbon, leading to respiration.

Arrivals from 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon start. For those joining in-person, lunch will be served after the seminar from 1:00pm.

This event is hybrid format, please use the required booking button at the bottom of the page to choose either in-person or online attendance.
(Please note that in-person spaces are limited and booking is required, so we can manage numbers for catering and also the space in the seminar room)

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.

Contact and booking details

Email address
ias@lboro.ac.uk
Cost
Free
Booking required?
Yes