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9310785 Tilman This study combines theory, observation, experiments, and paleoecology methods in a comprehensive and mechanistic investigation of plant succession in coastal Lake Michigan sand dunes. Experiments will distinguish among potential environmental constraints limiting the distribution and abundance of plant species along a complex gradient.

The acquisition of the Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer allows the chemistry program to improve and update the chemistry laboratory curriculum. Applications of FTIR spectrophotometer are being incorporated into all chemistry courses with the emphasis on organic chemistry. Organic chemistry students use the FTIR to study functional group interconversion, identify unknowns, follow the progress of reactions, and help establish the level of purity of synthesized compounds.

Mickelson 9627798 Only a few studies have examined the dynamics of large glacier lobes, even though they controlled the mass balance of the Laurentide ice sheet. By analyzing ice-surface profiles, landform-sediment associations, and advance-retreat chronologies, this research process relationships of three southern Laurentide glacier lobes, at various time during deglaciation 21-11,000 BP.

This research focuses on two important mesoscale phenomena: mesoscale gravity waves and heavy snowbands in the northwest quadrant of cyclones. Better understanding of both of these will allow better forecasts of various wintertime weather events.Mesoscale gravity waves are wave disturbances with wavelengths that range from about 30 to 250 km, periods between 0.5 and 4 hours, and amplitudes that can exceed several millibars. While a number of studies have documented the occurrence of mesoscale gravity waves, there is considerable debate on how these waves form.

0211267HashshamDescription:This award is for support of a joint research project by Dr. Syed Hashsham, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan and Dr. Essam Zaki, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), Mubarak City of Scientific Research, Alexandria, Egypt. They plan to develop a microbial diversity microarray that will encompass the key elements of microbial biodiversity in both functional and phylogenetic sense.

Chemistry (12)Stewardship of the watershed and sustainability of natural resources requires training of students in the science of Environmental Chemistry. This project incorporates authentic research-based laboratory experiences that highlight environmental testing, watershed sustainability, and current research topics into undergraduate chemistry courses.

By detailed field work and modeling, the late Quaternary sediment record in Illinois will be investigated to determine the origin of subglacial tills that were deposited in the marginal area of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Massive, homogenous diamictons that classically have been interpreted to be lodgement till may instead have originated primarily through subglacial deformation in a deforming bed.

By detailed field work and modeling, the late Quaternary sediment record in Illinois will be investigated to determine the origin of subglacial tills that were deposited in the marginal area of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Massive, homogenous diamictons that classically have been interpreted to be lodgement till may instead have originated primarily through subglacial deformation in a deforming bed.