Nutrient Distribution in the Alpine and Subalpine Ecosystems of the Front Range By: Ryan Provencher

1. Nutrient Distribution in the Alpine and Subalpine Ecosystems of the Front RangeBy: Ryan Provencher Winter Ecology Spring 2009 Mountain Research Station, University of Colorado, Boulder

2. What Processes and Conditions Alter Nutrient Distribution in the Alpine and Subalpine zones of Niwot Ridge? Climate- locally and regionally Landscape Continuum Model Climate Change Anthropogenic Alterations The Alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the front range withstand extreme conditions for much of the year. High winds from the west, changing precipitation patterns, snow cover, diurnal temperature fluxes all create the local harsh climate of Niwot Ridge. The topographic variations with in the landscape create unique opportunities for different processes to occur with in close proximities to each other. Characteristics of Niwot Ridge such as close proximity to urban centers, orographic effects, and uniquely distributed snowpack along with topography and harsh conditions makes Niwot Ridge a haven for researchers especially those involved with ecology and the interactions of climate with ecosystems. The Alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the front range withstand extreme conditions for much of the year. High winds from the west, changing precipitation patterns, snow cover, diurnal temperature fluxes all create the local harsh climate of Niwot Ridge. The topographic variations with in the landscape create unique opportunities for different processes to occur with in close proximities to each other. Characteristics of Niwot Ridge such as close proximity to urban centers, orographic effects, and uniquely distributed snowpack along with topography and harsh conditions makes Niwot Ridge a haven for researchers especially those involved with ecology and the interactions of climate with ecosystems.

3. Landscape Continuum Model Conceptual Framework Complexity of interactions Resource distribution Transport processes