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- The Ecosystems and Scientific Interests of ROMEO

The ROMEO consortium includes scientists interested in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Our scientists take both experimental and theoretical approaches to developing empirical insights and prognostic computer models, both of which will allow us to better understand and manage critical ecosystems in the Rocky Mountain region. Some of our research interests include:

    Biogeochemistry (the cycling of elements through ecosystems)

  • Regional ecosystem carbon budgets
  • Nitrogen deposition to ecosystems
  • Controls over water budgets and distribution within the mountains
  • Water quality


    • Community ecology (the interactions of species within ecosystems)

  • Aquatic food webs
  • Successional processes
  • Parasitic, mutualistic and symbiotic relationships
  • Transmission of infectious diseases among host species
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (elk)
  • Whirling Disease (trout)
  • Fire ecology (long- and short-term recovery of ecosystems following fire)
  • Insect outbreaks
  • Regional paleobiology


    • Population and conservation biology (the genetics and conservation of populations of species)

  • Characterization of gene pools
  • Mapping of population migration patterns
  • Preservation of critical genetic resources
  • Biology and ecological effects of invasive species


    • Systematics (natural relationships among organisms)

  • Taxonomic affinities among varieties, species and higher groups
  • Discovery of new biodiversity
  • Geographic mapping of biodiversity
  • Preservation of biodiversity


    • Ecosystem-atmosphere interactions

  • The exchange of critical nutrients between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere
  • The exchange of pollutants between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface
  • Ecosystem energy budgets


    • Climate and weather dynamics

  • The causes and impacts of drought
  • Prediction of extreme weather events
  • Prediction of fire danger and fire spread
  • Decadal-scale climate variability
  • Snow dynamics


    • Education and Outreach to Public

  • Development of public environmental awareness
  • Principles of environmental conservation
  • K-12 environmental education
  • Anthropology and indigenous people

 
 

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