The Landscape Evolution Observatory: a large-scale controllable infrastructure to study coupled Earth-surface processes

摘要: Abstract Zero-order drainage basins, and their constituent hillslopes, are the fundamental geomorphic unit comprising much of Earth's uplands. The convergent topography these landscapes generates spatially variable substrate moisture content, facilitating biological diversity influencing how landscape filters precipitation sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide. In light significant ecosystem services, refining our understanding functions affected by evolution, weather variability, long-term climate change is imperative. this paper we introduce Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO): a large-scale controllable infrastructure consisting three replicated artificial (each 330 m 2 surface area) within climate-controlled Biosphere facility in Arizona, USA. At LEO, experimental manipulation rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed possible at unprecedented scale. was designed as community resource to advance topography, physical chemical properties soil, communities coevolve, coevolution affects water, carbon, energy cycles multiple spatial scales. With well-defined boundary conditions an extensive network sensors samplers, LEO enables iterative scientific approach that includes numerical model development virtual experimentation, data analysis, refinement. We plan engage broader through public dissemination from collaborative design, community-based development.