Geology Colloquium | Using Plant Traits To Understand Biosphere Functions and Environmental Change, Oct. 20

Kevin Mueller

The Geological Sciences Colloquium Series presents Kevin Mueller on “Using plant traits to understand biosphere functions and environmental change: lessons from studies of living plants” on Oct. 20 at 4:10 pm in Clippinger 205.

Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences at Cleveland State University.

Abstract: This presentation will provide insights into the role of plant traits, including physiological and chemical characteristics of leaves and roots, in regulating biogeochemical cycles and interactions between the biosphere and other spheres of the earth system.  Specific topics will likely include: i) the evolution of plant trait variability, ii) the response of plant communities to climate change, iii)  the impacts of plant species and their traits on soils, and iv) the use of plant biomarkers and isotope ratios to help make inferences about paleoecology and paleoclimate based on analyses of organic matter preserved in geologic sediments.

Upcoming Colloquia

Peter Jahl on “Modifying and Producing Exoplanetary Interior Models for Local Stellar Systems” and Jack Seeley on “Optical and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Shock Metamorphosed Knox Group Dolostone from Wells Creek Crater, TN (Part II)” on Oct. 27 at 4:10 pm in Clippinger 205. Both are Geological Sciences graduate students.

Joshua Miller of the University of Cincinnati on “Tracking ecological change through the Anthropocene and beyond: Insights for paleoecology and conservation biology from bones on the landscape” on Nov. 3 at 4:10 pm in Clippinger 205.

Michal Kowalewski of the University of Florida on “Tales Told by Dead Shells: Paleobiological Approaches to Historical Ecology and Conservation” on Nov. 8 at 2:00 pm in Walter Hall 235.

Kenneth Brown of West Virginia University on “Crystals as archives into Igneous systems and processes: exploring potassium feldspar megacrysts in granites and granodiorites” on Nov. 17 at 4:10 pm in Clippinger 205.

Lindsey Schafer on “Statistical analysis of mining parameters to create empirical models to predict mine pool formation in underground coal mines” and Fred Twumasi on “Modeling of hydrological data to predict mine pool formation and possible discharge locations in underground mines” on Dec. 1 at 4:10 pm in Clippinger 205. Both are Geological Sciences graduate students.