The project’s goal is to assess whether and how energy supply limits the reproductive activities of male ground squirrels. I will be conducting observations on Belding’s ground squirrels, which in many ways typify male breeding strategies in other mammals. Males both fight and search for females. Body fat may have a role in fueling their success but how this fat is acquired, and at what cost is unknown. Using a combination of field experiments, observation of behavior, measure of energy expenditures, estimates of body composition, dissection, and measures of metabolic rate, I will be able to address 3 major issues in animal behavior and ecology: 1) the relationship between individual variation in male reproductive success and the allocation of time to different activities, 2) the extent to which individual reproductive activity is limited by stored energy reserves, and 3) the ecological and physiological costs to acquiring the energy used for breeding. This investigation will provide definitive data relevant to the role of energy in male reproductive success, and will provide a firm link between behavior and an individual’s ecological circumstances (food supply, and the risks they take to acquire food). The research site extends from Tioga Pass onto Dana Meadows in Yosemite. Funding: University of Nebraska.

Effects of Nutrients and Grazers on the Species Composition and Physiognomy of Periphyton in Californian Streams

Lilian Busse, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

In this study, we will examine responses of algal physiognomy and species composition to the presence of grazers across a gradient of nutrient enrichment. My primary goal is to show the relative importance of resource limitation vs. grazer control for periphyton biomass, physiognomy, and species composition across seasons and in different stream systems. Subsidiarily, we want to test the hypothesis that the growth of filamentous green algae can only temporarily override grazer control, and that grazers can suppress periphyton biomass after filamentous algae are lost due to senescence and sloughing. By examining the importance of top-down and bottom-up control, we can develop predictive models which describe the important determinants of stream ecosystem dynamics and allow us to make predictions about the effects of human perturbations on a stream system. Funding : Self-funded.

Inventory of Wildlife Resources at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory and Valentine Camp

Paul Collins, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

The goal of this work is to develop a more complete inventory of the wildlife resources of the Valentine and Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory reserves. The mammal fauna inventory of these two reserves has been filled out through direct observations, small mammal live trapping, and use of acoustic bat sampling methods. Direct observations of birds has helped to document breeding for a number species at both reserves and has added additional observations of birds not previously recorded. Funding: Self-funded.

Further Ecological Study of Forest Insects and Ground Insects

Roger Dajoz, Laboratoire l’Ecologie, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France

This project investigates the ecology of forest Coleoptera and the ecology of riparian Coleoptera. We work within fifty miles around Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory, as far as Bishop down south, and Mono Lake up north. Funding : Self-funded.

Comparative Bioacoustics of Grouse Mate Attraction Displays

Marc Dantzker, Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego

Past research examined the acoustic radiation patterns of calling male sage grouse using a microphone array. Results of this work yeilded evidence for directional , asymmetric sound fields unlike those previously measured in any system. Current research will focus on resolving the consequences of these radiation patterns on sexual selection and mate choice in the sage grouse. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Studies on Snow Physics, Distributed Modeling of Snow Processes and Avalanche Forecasting Aids

Robert E. Davis, Department of Geophysical Sciences, United States Army CRREL

Walter Rosenthal, CRREL Contractor & MMSA, University of California at Santa Barbara

Susan Burak, CRREL Contractor_Rick Kattelmann, Institute for Computational Earth System Science, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project develops methods to spatially distribute models of snow cover and methods to measure the spatial properties. Measurements of forest properties as well as snow characteristics support this work, which primarily uses Mammoth Mountain as a test site. Funding: Department of Defense; US Army Corps Sacramento District; NASA.

Operational Snow Cover Monitoring and Support to Southwest Regional Earth Science Appicatious Center

Robert E. Davis, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center

This project seeks to map snow properties in an operational setting through the use of remote sensing and spatially distributed modeling. The goals include 1) automating data ingest and processing, 2) improve snow extent mapping, 3) assess remote sensing sources other than optical measurements, and 4) evaluate model accuracy and develop improvements. Applications include water management and control, and research snow hydrology. Funding: Army Corps Sacramento District, University of Arizona.

Hydrology, Hydrochemical Modeling and Remote Sensing in Seasonally Snow-Covered Alpine Drainage Basins

Jeff Dozier, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

John M. Melack, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

The goal of this project is to compare field measurements of snow properties with remotely sensed measurements from coincident Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) flights. Location of field work is at Mammoth Mountain. Funding: NASA.

Demographic Study of Sacrobatus vermiculatus

Kevin Floyd and Catherine Toft, Graduate Group in Ecology, Section of Ecology and Evolution, University of California at Davis

The Holocene sand dunes on the north shore of Mono Lake are dominated by the two shrub species, rabbitbrush (Chrysothammus nausosus ) and greasewood ( Sacrobatus vermiculatus). Traditional thought on the spatial distribution of desert perennial shrubs has been that they become uniformly distributed through a classical thinning process wherein shrubs compete with their nearest neighbors for water. To test this idea I must determine the nearest neighbors of each plant. If the traditional thought is true, one would expect to find an even, non-random distribution of adult plants. To test this hypothesis for greasewood is difficult due its pattern of growth. The dune system at Mono Lake is dynamic, as wind moves sand around. Greasewood is primary colonizer of newly formed dunes, and plays an important role in the growth and stability of the dune by trapping sand and seeds. Due to this the crowns of greasewood are often buried by the sand. The plant does not die, but rather, each branch can continue to grow. The plants are long-lived, and thus, this process can occur several times over its life. This, combined with lateral vegetative growth, creates uncertainty about plant identity that is crucial for determining the distribution of individual plants. What appears to be a separate plant might in fact be only a branch of a buried crown. I will determine relatedness of what appears to be individuals using the DNA fingerprinting technology of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP’s) From the AFLP’s I will know what plants are individuals, as well as if they are related as siblings or half-siblings to one another. From this data I can recreate historical recruitment events and test for thinning among adult pl ants. Funding: University of California at Davis Hatch Funds.

Molecular Genetic Analysis of a Lek Mating System

Robert Gibson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska

This project entails field studies of the mating system of sage grouse in Long Valley using a combination of behavioral observations and genetic analysis of paternity (DNA “finger printing”). Funding: National Science Foundation.

Replication of the Effects of Livestock Grazing on a Riparian Ecosystem Along Convict Creek in the Great Basin of California

K. O’Hearn, J. Sandstrom, A. Ficarra Steve Gliessman, Department of Environmental Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz

This project will be performed on Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory property and adjacent BLM land. Funding: Self-funded.

Monitoring to Assess Water Quality in Streams of the Eastern Sierra

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Stream surveys are being conducted to develop a biological monitoring database for water quality assessment in streams of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Surveys include sampling for benthic invertebrates and creating habitat descriptions for each stream including geomorphic profiles, substrate composition, sediment embedding, current, riparian cover, slope, water chemistry, algal chlorophyll biomass, and coarse and fine particulate organic matter. Funding: Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board; California State; University of California at Santa Cruz.

Effects of Alternative Forestry Practices in Stream Ecosystems

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Scott D. Cooper, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

This work will be done in watersheds of the Sierra National Forest as part of a cooperative agreement with the US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station. The work will involve meetings and planning of experimental designs and treatments, field reconnaissance, and preliminary sampling of stream benthos, habitat, and water chemistry. Funding: U.S. Forest Service.

Stream Community Ecology in Yosemite National Park: The Influence of Introduced Trout

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Scott D. Cooper, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

By conducting some of the first studies of stream community ecology in Yosemite National Park, this project will examine the influence of introduced trout on the historically fishless stream communities of the High Sierra. In paired fish-stocked and fishless watersheds, the structure and diversity of benthic invertebrate communities will be compared against the background of varied environmental streams, including differences between perennial and intermittent drainages. Funding: University of California at Davis Water Resources Center; The Nature Conservancy.

The Development of Social Favoritism

Warren Holmes, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan

The general intent of this research is to explain how early social experience affects the development of social relationships between close genetic relatives (e.g. littermates). Evolutionary theory predicts that organisms have evolved to treat their close kin preferentially over non-kin because individuals that behave nepotistically have been more successful than non-nepotists in transmitting their genes to subsequent generations. Field studies on Belding’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi ) have shown that females engage in nepotism with close kin by 1) directing alarm calls (vocalizations in response to predators ) to warn kin of impending danger and 2) engaging in cooperative defense of territories to prevent infanticide. However, the developmental experiences that underlie these acts of nepotism are largely unknown. Indeed, little is known about the development of nepotism in the vast majority of species despite considerable evidence that nepotism occurs widely in the animal world._The early rearing environment of Belding’s ground squirrels (hereafter, Bgs) shares features in common with many species of mammals, including, for example, early interactions that occur only between kin that are later followed by interactions with both kin and non-kin. Thus, explaining how early experiences with kin affects the development of social relationships in Bgs will help reveal similar processes in other species (e.g. various primates, including humans) whose early development occurs in a social environment comprising close relatives like parents, siblings and cousins. Besides uncovering some processes that may underlie social development in many species, this research will reveal those components of the social environment that must be present to ensure normal , species-typical outcomes in social development. This information may prove valuable in conservation efforts that involve captive rearing in various mammals. Funding: Rackham Graduate School-University of Michigan

Monitoring of Pedicularis crenulata Population

Ann Howald, Department of Life Sciences, Santa Rosa Junior College

This project’s focus is demographic monitoring of Pedicularis crenulata , a perennial in the lousewort family. This rare plant’s only known location in California is within the fenced boundary of Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory. Funding: Self-funded.

Plankton Dynamics in Mono Lake

Robert Jellison and John Melack, Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

The proposed research will determine Mono lake’s response to changes in salinity through key liminological measurements during the anticipated period of rising lake levels and decreasing salinity. As many aspects of the seasonal plankton dynamics are recorded in the sediments, the study will determine past responses to changes in climate and salinity by using detailed comparisons between sediment cores and the past 21 year record of plankton dynamics to interpret the 150-200 year sediment cores. Funding: City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Responses of a Saline Lake to Environmental Change

Robert Jellison, John Melack, Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Saline lakes constitute nearly half of inland waters by volume and provide ecologically important aquatic habitats in arid regions of the world. They often have high rates of algal productivity which support aquatic invertebrates and large numbers of birds. At Mono Lake, California, environmental concern has focused on the impacts of higher salinity at the smaller lake size caused by diversions of freshwater streams out of the basin. In 1994, state agencies decided to gradually raise the surface elevation of Mono Lake to ~1948 m, approximately six meters above the historic low in 1982. This action provides an unique opportunity to study the effects of environmental change on a large saline lake. Ecological studies of the lake’s biota during the period of rising lake levels and decreasing salinity will complement prior laboratory studies focused on increasing salinity. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Microbial Observatory at an Alkaline, Hypersaline, Meromictic Lake

Robert Jellison and James Hollibaugh, Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

We will investigate microbial processes in Mono Lake and responses to changing stratification. We are also looking for exotic organisms adapted to the extreme Mono Lake environment as a clue to what adaptations may have been present in organisms in the early histories of Earth and Mars. Funding: University of California at Santa Barbara.

Restoration of Riparian Habitat and Assessment of Management Practices on Nutrient Loading and Eutrophication of Crowley Lake, California

Daniel Dawson, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Robert Jellison, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

John M. Melack , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

Crowley Lake (Long Valley Reservoir), Mono County is a valuable aquatic resource whose management requires the balancing of competing economic, recreational, and ecological values. Crowley Lake is the premier trout fishery in the eastern Sierra Nevada as well as the largest reservoir in the Los Angeles aqueduct system. The lake is classified as eutrophic, meaning a lake with both an ample supply of nutrients and rates of primary productivity. The watershed is subject to a wide array of uses including extensive cattle grazing, fishing, snow skiing, camping, and urban development, all of which may contribute to increased eutrophication of Crowley Lake. In addition, several large springs flowing into the lake’s tributaries have high concentrations of phosphorus. Adverse impacts of increased eutrophication at Crowley Lake include de-oxygenation of bottom water, downstream fish kills, and decreased water quality as indicated by taste, odor, and large areas of floating algal mats. This project will 1) restore riparian vegetation and associated water quality of a significant section of the main tributary to Crowley Lake, 2) determine the sources and magnitude of nutrient inputs into Crowley Lake, 3) assess the contribution of various land practices to the nutrient loading of Crowley Lake 4) monitor eutrophication of Crowley Lake and measure ambient levels of MTBE, and 5) develop and maintain a GIS of watershed activities in coordination with the Eastern Sierra Land Information Systems Network. Funding: California State Water Resources Control Board.

Arsenic Sources and the Feasibility of Using Nitrogen Isotopes to Determine Nitrogen Sources

Daniel Dawson, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Robert Jellison, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

John M. Melack , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

The upper Owens River and Crowley Reservoir are listed under the federal Clean Water act as impaired due to arsenic. It is believed that the arsenic originates from natural sources, but this has not been definitively determined. There is a need to ascertain whether the sources of arsenic are natural or human-caused, and to what level management practices for control of pollution are reducing arsenic inputs in the Owens watershed. The objectives of this project are to determine arsenic concentrations in the upper Owens River and Crowley Reservoir and whether the arsenic originates from natural or human-caused sources, and to evaluate the feasibility of using naturally occurring nitrogen isotypes for determination of the sources of nitrogen in surface waters. Funding: Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Molecular Approaches to Microbial Diversity and Community Dynamics of an Alkaline Moderately Hypersaline Environment: Mono Lake, California

Sunny Jiang, Department of Environmental Analysis and Design, University of California at Irvine

Grieg Steward, Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz

Robert Jellison, Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Induced Resistance and Interplant Communication

Rick Karban, Department of Entomology, University of California at Davis

John Maron, Department of Botany, University of Washington

It is now well accepted that plants increase their defenses after herbivory. In addition, it has been suggested that plants near damaged neighbors may also become more resistant, although this hypothesis is undocumented. Previous work at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory has indicated that induced tobacco plants become more resistant to tobacco horn worms. In addition, tobacco plants with damaged sagebrush neighbors suffered less herbivory than tobacco plants with undamaged sagebrush neighbors. This experiment will be repeated during this field season. In addition, experiments will be conducted to determine whether this results from increased plant resistance or some other change. Finally, collaborative work will be done with three chemical labs (Ian Baldwin, Roxanne Brandway, and Gary Felton) to determine the nature of the changes. Funding: US Department of Agriculture.

Effects of Exotic Eradication on the Recovery of Ecosystem Structure and Function

Roland Knapp, Marine Science Institute, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California at Santa Barbara

The introduction to exotic (non-native) species has caused both extinctions of native species and large changes in the functioning of ecosystems. Although the effects of exotic species introduction have been studied widely, quantitative studies of ecosystem recovery after exotic species eradication are exceedingly rare. Such studies are essential to determine whether ecosystems typically return to their natural condition after a perturbation is removed, and how long such recovery takes. In addition, much can be learned about the natural process of community assembly from experimental study of exotic eradication. In alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada, the widespread stocking of non-native trout is a major factor implicated in the decline of the mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa. In addition, several species of invertebrates are driven to extinction when trout are stocked in to previously fishless lakes. Our first objective is to determine natural rates of recovery of these species after the eradication of exotic trout. Species recovery will be studied with both a whole-lake experiment, and a broad-scale survey of Sierra lakes that vary in the length of time since trout populations naturally die out. The experiment will be conducted in Humphreys Basin, John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest and the broad-scale survey will be conducted in Kings Canyon National Park. The experiment will compare three lakes in which exotic trout are removed to three similar lakes in which trout continue to be stocked. Our second objective asks how changes in species composition after trout eradication alter the functioning of these lake ecosystems. To this end, we will measure the relative contributions of algae in the water column versus on the substrate to overall lake productivity. Changes in these contributions may have dramatic effects on the food webs of these lakes. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Analysis of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors Controlling the Distribution of Amphibians in the Alpine Sierra Nevada

Roland Knapp, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project entails surveying thousands of Sierra Nevada lakes for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, to evaluate the effect of introduced fish predators on native aquatic species. To date we have surveyed >3,000 water bodies in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. These surveys indicate that introduced trout have dramatically altered aquatic ecosystems in these protected areas. Funding: Environmental Protection Agency; National Park Service.

Faunal Surveys of Yosemite National Park’s Lentic Habitats and Their Use in Understanding Impacts of Nonnative Fish and Designing Aquatic Restoration Measures

Roland Knapp, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

My field crews and I are surveying thousands of Sierra Nevada lakes for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, to evaluate the effect of introduced fish predators on native aquatic species. To date we have surveyed >3,000 water bodies in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. These surveys indicate that introduced trout have dramatically altered aquatic ecosystems in these protected areas. Funding: Yosemite Fund

Assessment and Control of Arsenic Mobility in Contaminated Sediments

Penny Kneebone, Department of Environmental Engineering Science, California Institute of Technology

The proposed research project will investigate the potential for arsenic release from sediments in the Hot Creek/Owen’s Lake/Lake Crowley system. Arsenic concentrations in the L.A. aqueduct are elevated due to the (relatively constant) geothermal inputs of arsenic in Hot Creek Gorge. Proposed changes in the allowable level of arsenic in drinking water mean the L.A. Department of Water and Power may have to implement a treatment strategy to reduce arsenic in the aqueduct water. One option is to treat for arsenic at Hot Creek Gorge. The sediments in this system show elevated arsenic concentrations. Release of this stored arsenic to overlying water could compromise the effectiveness of such a treatment strategy. The main areas of study are: 1) the extent of arsenic storage in the reservoir sediments, 2) the nature of sediment-water exchange of arsenic in the system, 3) the controls on arsenic mobility, and 4) the plausibility of immobilization strategies to minimize release of arsenic from sediments. Funding: Environmental Protection Agency.

Vesiculation Processes in Silicic Lava Domes: The Case of Inya Domes, Long Caldera Valley, California

Nadav Lensky, Department of Geology, The Hebrew University, Israel

I will study rock textures on lava-domes surfaces, and sample obsidian and pumice rocks. Funding: Self-funded.

Environmental Influences on Hormone Behavior Interactions to Mate Fidelity

Rachel Levin, Department of Biology, Pomona College

The purpose of this project is to study how environmental cues can influence vertebrate reproductive behavior and physiology. Specifically, we are interested in the effects of latitude and altitude on mate fidelity and the degree to which hormones control behavior. These environmental factors can affect reproductive biology directly, or have an indirect effect by influencing the length of the breeding season. We are testing these possibilities by comparing mate fidelity, levels of reproductive behavior, and plasma hormone levels in populations of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon, at two different altitudes over a three year period. We have been working at one of our sites, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory, since 1997. Here we have noticed that the length of the breeding season and the degree of extra-pair behaviors vary between years. Starting in 2000, we plan to work with a second population of birds at the Valentine Reserve. We anticipate that the breeding season at Valentine will be shorter than that at SNARL due to its higher altitude, permitting a within year comparison of adjacent sites with different altitudes and breeding seasons. Funding: Hirsch Research Initiation Award.

Plant Responses to Climate Change in the Western United States

Michael E. Loik, Department Environmental Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz

The goals of this project are, first, to investigate how climate change will affect ecosystem recovery and efforts by humans to facilitate this recovery process. Second, to understand responses to increased precipitation for arid and semi-arid ecosystems across the southwestern United States. Funding: Center for Field Studies, Earthwatch.

Turbulent Mixing: Effects on Resource Supply and Primary Productivity of Lakes Boundary Mixing Over Sloping and Rough Topography: Pathways of Energy Flux

Sally Mac Intyre , Institute for Computational Earth System Science, University of California at Santa Barbara

Turbulence in lakes is critical for supply of light and nutrients for phytoplankton growth. Our recent studies have documented that the processes that generate turbulence are localized in space and time. In fact, in Mono Lake, turbulent mixing occurs near the lateral boundaries at times when internal wave amplitudes are large. Sloping boundaries or submerged peninsulas steepen the internal waves cresting instability._We have two projects in Mono Lake. In one, we are exploring the connection between the dynamics of these internal and nutrient supply to the deep chlorophyll maximum and to phytoplankton in the upper part of the euphotic zone. In the second project, we are further exploring the interaction of basin scale waves. That is, waves whose wavelengths are the length of the lake, with topographic features. Our goal is to determine the pathway by which the energy from the basin scale waves is dissipated as turbulence. To this end, we will be using thermistor chains to collect data to describe wave amplitudes and current meter data to determine the energy in the internal wave field at various scales. We will be measuring turbulence in the water column with temperature-gradient microstructure profilers to quantify the dissipation and to determine where it is highest. We will be putting these results into context using state-of-the-art three dimensional models that include bathymetry. Results from this project are useful not only to physical oceanographers and physical limnologists interested in turbulence and internal waves, but also to biologists interested where turbulent mixing and the resulting fluxes of nutrients are highest. Funding: National Science Foundation; University of California at Santa Barbara.

Mechanisms of Social Recognition in Ground Squirrels

Jill Mateo, Department of Psychology, Cornell University

The general focus of this research at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory is to describe the mechanisms of social recognition in ground squirrels, focusing on olfactory cues as a means of discrimination. Belding’s ground squirrels produce at least three individually distinct odors (secretions from oral, dorsal, and anal glands), which may be used for individual identification. These odors are generalized, in that squirrels do not differentiate between two odors (such as oral and dorsal) from the same individual. This suggests a higher-order representation of familiar individuals. Preliminary data indicate that oral and dorsal glands also produce kin-distinct odors. That is, odors that are more similar among relatives than non-relatives. Thus ground squirrels could use these odors as markers of relatedness to facilitate kin recognition. Pilot data suggest that squirrels can, in fact, discriminate odors from unfamiliar individuals varying in relatedness to them (such as grandmother, aunt, half-aunt). Squirrels continue to recognize their kin after a species-typical period of hibernation of eight months. However, they no longer recognize previously familiar non-kin in the spring, suggesting that familiarity (e.g. of neighbors or colony members) must be reestablished each year. Data from free-living animals demonstrate that adult females use olfactory communication to demarcate and defend their burrow systems. In addition, mutual investigation of oral glands often preceded both amicable and agnostic social interactions. Funding: National Science Foundation.

The Ecology and Development of Male Song Production and Female Song Preferences in Brown-headed Cowbirds from Different Environments

Adrian O’Loghlen, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara Funding: National Science Foundation.

GPS Measurements of Deformation Within Long Valley Caldera and the Adjacent Sierran Block

Susan Owen, Department of Geology and Geophysics/ Earth Sciences, University of California at Berkeley/ University of Southern California

Long Valley caldera, in the eastern Sierra, is both volcanically and seismically active. It has recently experienced an increase in seismic activity and surface deformation that may be related to magma migration. While there is some continuous strain monitoring equipment already in place, the region where the most recent activity has occurred is not well covered by the existing permanent networks and must be covered by periodic campaigns. The area south of the resurgent dome is where most of the seismicity and possibly most of the surface deformation has been occurring. I propose to initiate a pilot study to investigate the surface deformation in this region using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. This work should provide better constraints on the magmatic intrusions and faulting processes. It is necessary to study these processes to evaluate the potential for future eruptions and earthquakes in Long Valley and to gain better understanding of how volcanic calderas work. Funding: University of Southern California.

Snow Spectral Albedo and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function in Alpine Terrain

Thomas Painter, Department of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project is part of the project with Dr. Jeff Dozier titled “Hydrology, Hydrochemical Modeling and Remote Sensing in Seasonally Snow Covered Alpine Drainage Basins.” Funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Late Quaternary Climatic and Limnological Changes in the Eastern Sierra Nevada_David Porinchu, Department of Geography, UC Los Angeles. A set of samples of lake water and surface sediment will be taken from 30-50 lakes at different elevations in the eastern Sierra Nevada. The samples will be analyzed for elemental and isotopic geochemistry, chironomid remains, diatoms, pollen, and conifer stomates. We will attempt to link changes in lake water chemistry, chironomids, diatoms, pollen, and stomates to lake air and water temperature, depth and vegetation. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Temperature Tolerance of Native California Shrub, Purshia tridentata, in a Changing Global Climate

Gitane Royce, Environmental Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz

This project will study the ability of Purshia tridentata to withstand thermal extremes. In particular, the integrity of cellular and chloroplast membranes will be assessed once plants are subjected to high temperature treatments in the lab. In addition, in situ, non-destructive data collection will be collected across an elevation gradient along Rock Creek drainage. Funding: Self-funded.

Potential Causes of Declines of Amphibians Reported in Yosemite National Park

Walter Sadinski, Department of Environmental Contaminants, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

We are conducting surveys and experiments to test hypotheses regarding causes of declines of amphibians in Yosemite National Park. This includes work on effects of UV-B, pesticides, and climate. The principal field area is from Tuolumne Meadows to Tioga Pass within the park. Funding: Yosemite Fund.

Heterogeneous Photochemistry Within and on Ice Crystals

Aaron Swanson and Donald Blake, Department of Chemistry , University of California at Irvine

Field work at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory or Valentine Camp will utilize IIS VAC power to run two pumps for sampling air drawn through quartz tubes packed with snow. Funding: National Science Foundation.

The Effects of Spatial Heterogeneity of Resource Subsidies on Stream Food Webs

William KeithTaulbee, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

I will conduct three experiments to assess the role of spatial heterogeneity in resource subsidies for stream food webs. All experiments will be conducted in a set of 24 small (0.2 m2) channels that will be set on the streambed at the confluence of sections 3 and 4 of Convict Creek, parallel to the current.The first two experiments will measure resource responses to gradients of primary consumer density. In the first experiment, known numbers of baetid mayfly nymphs and glossosomatid caddisfly larvae will be added to channels to create six density levels of each grazer with two channels per treatment. Responses of algal biomass, productivity, and species composition to grazer densities will be measured after three days. _In the second experiment, equal amounts of willow litter will be added to each channel, along with one of two detritivore species present at one of six density levels with two channels per treatment. Responses of CPOM and FBOM mass, and organic seston will be measured for each channel after 3 and 7 days. This experiment will be performed twice, first with willow leaves preconditioned for one week, and second with willow leaves preconditioned for three weeks. _The third experiment will examine the role of light levels and primary consumer densities on the response of algal biomass. Light levels and consumer densities will be manipulated to create a factorial design of six light levels and presence or absence of primary consumers at ambient densities, with two channels per treatment. Algal, detrital, and invertebrate responses to these manipulations will be measured at weekly intervals for the duration of this experiment (2 to 3 weeks). Funding: National Science Foundation.

Variations in Sierra Nevada Snow Algae Abundances and Affecting Parameters

William Thomas, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego

This project is designed to use snow algae as indicators of global change. We will sample four locations near Tioga Pass. Quadrate grids will be set up so that algal abundance’s at each site can be mapped. Sunlight reflectances off the snow will be proxies for abundances. Within grids, the snow in given numbers of quadrats will be sampled randomly. This snow will be melted at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory and cell concentration and chlorophyll will measure algal abundances. Samples will also be analyzed for various affecting factors: snow water content, acidity, overall snow purity (conductivity), dirt in the snow, and snow nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium ions). Other factors which will be considered are weather conditions and snowpack depth during the past snowfall season and during the summer. We hypothesize that first-year variations will not be so great that we will be unable to see year-to-year changes that would reflect global change. Our main objective in the year 2000 investigation is to establish the magnitudes of these initial variations. Funding: Scripps Director Vetlesen Fund.

Demography of Arid-Land Shrubs: Applications for Ecosystem Restoration and Management

Catherine Toft, Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California at Davis

This study will document demography of desert shrubs along an environmental gradient created by the receding Mono Lake, taking advantage of the transgressing lake to understand physical factors affecting recruitment of juveniles. Shrub demography, seedling survivorship and patterns of thinning at 5 representative sites along the gradient will be continued as part of the long-term study necessary to understand the demography of slow-growing, long-lived desert shrubs. Results will be applied to restoration of Owens Lake bed (and others) that will ameliorate impact of water diversions, primarily air pollution from PM10, and impact of grazing or groundwater pumping on arid range lands. Funding: University of California at Davis Hatch Funds.

Life in Extreme Environments

Alexander Tsapin, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena

We will study the biodiversity of Mono Lake. Funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

VALENTINE CAMP

RESEARCH:

Not currently available.

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