Inter- and intra-annual C and N isotopic variability of C3 and C4 grasses in a temperate-humid dune environment

Author

Roshni R. Patel, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geology

Supervisor

Dr. F.J. Longstaffe

2nd Supervisor

Dr. E.A. Webb

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

Seasonal and annual variations in foliar δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of a C₃ grass Ammophila breviligulata and a C₄ grass Calamovilfa longifolia from the sand dunes of Pinery Provincial Park in southern Ontario, Canada were investigated to assess isotopic variability at a single site within a temperate-humid climatic zone. This work quantifies seasonal δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N variation, tests for correlation of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N with weather parameters, and evaluates the isotopic responses of these grasses to location within the dune system. Throughout the 2014 growing season, there was ~ 1 to 2 ‰ change in δ¹³C and ~ 3 to 4 ‰ change in δ¹⁵N that was related to plant development. Foliar δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N are significantly correlated to total summer precipitation amount and, under some conditions, temperature. The foliar isotopic variations are too small, however, to affect paleoclimatic interpretation of such proxies within such a climatic regime.

Recommended Citation

Patel, Roshni R., "Inter- and intra-annual C and N isotopic variability of C3 and C4 grasses in a temperate-humid dune environment" (2016). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 3880.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/3880