Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802
Performing Department
Ecosystem Science & Management
Non Technical Summary
Building upon the success of the 1st International Conference on Hydropedology held in 2008 at Penn State, this 2nd International Conference aims at continuing the advancement of the emerging interdisciplinary science of hydropedology and its synergistic collaborations across scientific disciplines, including soil science, hydrology, geomorphology, geology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and others. In particular, various sub-disciplines of soil science (especially pedology, soil physics, and soil biogeochemistry) are linked to hydrology across spatial and temporal scales to significantly advance our understanding of the integration and coupling of soil physical, chemical, and biological processes as mediated by the presence and flux of fresh water. Funds are requested to provide travel supports to young scientists (students, postdocs, and junior faculty) to attend this conference. This will stimulate young scientists to pursue and advance the emerging interdisciplinary science of hydropedology and its synergistic collaborations across scientific disciplines, including soil science, hydrology, geomorphology, geology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and others.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of the 2nd International Conference on Hydropedology to be held on July 22-27, 2012, in Leipzig, Germany are: 1) To take stock and analyze what has been accomplished so far in hydropedology and to identify where knowledge gaps are and how best hydropedology can contribute to the advancement of soil and water sciences; 2) To promote exciting breakthrough collaborations among soil science, hydrology, and other related bio- and geosciences, to aim at synergistic strategies for advancing one another; and 3) To charter a roadmap for international collaboration to advance the frontiers of hydropedology and the holistic studies of the Earth's Critical Zone, including their fundamental research, practical applications, and interdisciplinary education and outreach.
Project Methods
We conceive a 5-day conference that will include 4-day invited and volunteer oral and poster presentations, plus a 5th day field trip. A wide range of cutting-edge issues will be addressed, including 1) Field explorations and observatories, 2) Integrated studies of the Critical Zone, 3) Catchment structures, soilscapes & quantitative pedogenesis, 4) Soil architecture, 5) Terrestrial water, matter and energy fluxes, 6) Soil biophysical complex, 7) Multiscale modeling of hydrologic systems, and 8) Complex terrestrial systems.