Understanding effects of land-use and climate change on wetland ecosystems of the Prairie Pothole Region
Summary
The Missouri Coteau Wetland Ecosystem Observatory is dedicated to increasing knowledge of prairie wetland ecosystems and how they function in the face of climate and land-use change. The observatory is located in the heart of the North American Prairie Pothole Region, a region known for its productivity in terms of both agricultural commodities and wildlife (especially waterfowl). At the core of the observatory is the Cottonwood Lake Study Area. The Cottonwood Lake Study Area encompasses a complex of 17 wetlands and is internationally recognized for its research and long-term data assets that extend back to the mid-1960s. Research conducted at the study area has greatly advanced humanity’s knowledge of wetland ecosystem communities, [...]
Summary
The Missouri Coteau Wetland Ecosystem Observatory is dedicated to increasing knowledge of prairie wetland ecosystems and how they function in the face of climate and land-use change. The observatory is located in the heart of the North American Prairie Pothole Region, a region known for its productivity in terms of both agricultural commodities and wildlife (especially waterfowl). At the core of the observatory is the Cottonwood Lake Study Area. The Cottonwood Lake Study Area encompasses a complex of 17 wetlands and is internationally recognized for its research and long-term data assets that extend back to the mid-1960s. Research conducted at the study area has greatly advanced humanity’s knowledge of wetland ecosystem communities, dynamics, processes, and services. Continuing the Cottonwood Lake Study Area’s tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration, research at the Missouri Coteau Wetland Ecosystem Observatory currently includes studies of groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, greenhouse-gas emissions, aquatic biota, climate change, and pesticide transformations all within the context of a fully functioning prairie-pothole wetland complex.