Optimizing available network resources to address questions in environmental biogeochemistry

BioScience
By: , and 

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Abstract

An increasing number of network observatories have been established globally to collect long-term biogeochemical data at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Although many outstanding questions in biogeochemistry would benefit from network science, the ability of the earth- and environmental-sciences community to conduct synthesis studies within and across networks is limited and seldom done satisfactorily. We identify the ideal characteristics of networks, common problems with using data, and key improvements to strengthen intra- and internetwork compatibility. We suggest that targeted improvements to existing networks should include promoting standardization in data collection, developing incentives to promote rapid data release to the public, and increasing the ability of investigators to conduct their own studies across sites. Internetwork efforts should include identifying a standard measurement suite—we propose profiles of plant canopy and soil properties—and an online, searchable data portal that connects network, investigator-led, and citizen-science projects.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Optimizing available network resources to address questions in environmental biogeochemistry
Series title BioScience
DOI 10.1093/biosci/biw005
Volume 66
Issue 4
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher American Institute of Biological Sciences
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description 10 p.
First page 317
Last page 326
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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