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Sources and sinks of dissolved organic matter in the Rhône valley, Switzerland
Project background
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of the global carbon cycle and among the most reactive pools of organic material at the Earth’s surface. Glaciers store and transform OM, which upon release could support downstream ecosystems and thus alter local carbon budgets. Yet, the origin and composition of glacial DOM, and its downstream implications remain unclear.
Project aims
While a recent study (see Singer et al. 2016) has targeted DOM in glacier surface ice, this study will provide additional information on DOM export in glacier meltwater streams as well as tributaries with varying glacial coverage, applying a source (glacier) to sink (river/lake) approach. One of the largest inner-alpine catchments of the alps – the Rhône valley will serve as an ideal study location. The project will include analyses of DOM concentrations, its age and isotopic composition (δ13C) as well as its bioavailability with incubations (BDOC). This master thesis project involves several field trips to the Rhone valley to collect samples from different glaciers and streams throughout the summer and fall of 2021.
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Nora Gallarotti, nora.gallarotti@erdw.ethz.ch
Dr. Lisa Bröder lisa.broeder@erdw.ethz.ch
Nora Gallarotti, nora.gallarotti@erdw.ethz.ch Dr. Lisa Bröder lisa.broeder@erdw.ethz.ch