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Rollenbeck, R.; Fabian, P. &amp; Bendix, J. (2010): <b>Spatial and temporal dynamics of atmospheric water- and nutrient inputs in tropical mountain forests of southern Ecuador. </b>. In: L. A. Bruijnzeel, F. N. Scatena,; L. S. Hamilton (eds.): <i>Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: Science for Conservation and Management</i> ( ), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 367- 377.

Resource Description

Title: Spatial and temporal dynamics of atmospheric water- and nutrient inputs in tropical mountain forests of southern Ecuador.
FOR816dw ID: 931
Publication Date: 2010-12-01
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual: Ruetger Rollenbeck
Contact:
Individual: Peter Fabian
Contact:
Individual: Jörg Bendix
Contact:
Abstract:
As part of an interdisciplinary research program, the<br/> spatial and temporal variability of precipitation and<br/> associated nutrient inputs in southern Ecuador have<br/> been investigated since January 2002. The study site<br/> is located at the northern margin of the Podocarpus<br/> National Park in the vicinity of Loja, about 500 km<br/> south of Quito, at altitudes ranging from 1800 to 3180<br/> m.a.s.l. Due to its low density, the conventional rainfall<br/> station network fails to register the highly variable<br/> distribution of rain whereas fog is not accounted for<br/> at all. Hence, a new measurement infrastructure had<br/> to be installed. For the first time in a tropical montane<br/> forest setting, a Weather Radar was used, covering a<br/> radius of 60 km and reaching from the Amazon Basin<br/> to the coastal plains of the region. Furthermore, a dense<br/> network of sampling stations provided data about the<br/> altitudinal gradient of fog water inputs and the<br/> chemical properties of the different precipitation<br/> types. This combined approach provided important<br/> information on the formative processes of rain events<br/> on the eastern escarpment of the Andes. Rainfall<br/> distribution proved far more variable than previously<br/> known and strongly coupled to the orographic<br/> characteristics of the landscape. Maxima occurred<br/> especially on the exposed mountain slopes in the<br/> eastern parts of the Radar range, whereas the highest<br/> crests of the Andes received less precipitation. The<br/> study area has two cloud condensation levels, occurring<br/> at 1500?2000 m and 2500?3500 m.a.s.l., respectively. Fog was estimated to provide an additional 5?35%<br/> of water to conventionally measured rainfall. As with<br/> rainfall, fog capture exhibited a marked altitudinal<br/> gradient. Precipitation samples were analyzed for their<br/> main chemical properties to calculate spatial gradients<br/> as well as temporal trends of nutrient inputs. Although<br/> average matter fluxes were fairly low, episodic events<br/> contributed relevant amounts to the overall ecosystem<br/> nutrient budget.
Literature type specific fields:
CHAPTER
Chapter Number: 39
Book Editor: L. A. Bruijnzeel, F. N. Scatena, and L. S. Hamilton
Book Title: Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: Science for Conservation and Management
Page Range: 367- 377
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Place: Cambridge
Metadata Provider:
Individual: Jörg Bendix
Contact:
Online Distribution:
Download File: http://www.tropicalmountainforest.org/publications.do?citid=931


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