David Olefeldt
Contact
Assistant Professor, CAIP Chair, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Renewable Resources Dept
- olefeldt@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 248-1814
- Address
-
3-48D South Academic Building
11328 - 89 Ave NWEdmonton ABT6G 2J7
Overview
Research
Major responsibilities/Research Interests:
My research interests are broadly focused on catchment carbon cycling in boreal to arctic landscapes, with a focus on the role of wetlands. Wetlands store vast amounts of organic carbon in the form of peat, but these stores are sensitive to disturbances such as permafrost thaw, wildfire, droughts and human activities. A destabilization of wetlands has been identified as one of the largest potential transfers of carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere, a potential major feedback mechanism to ongoing climate change. I study both the exchange of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) between land and atmosphere as well as the downstream transport and fate of dissolved organic carbon. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which is very sensitive to wetland conditions. Downstream transport of dissolved organic carbon from wetlands is a main control on the carbon balance and food-web structure in streams and lakes. I have in my research addressed questions related to wetland carbon cycling and carbon export following disturbances such as permafrost thaw and wildfire, with work in both Scandinavia and the Mackenzie watershed. My research bridges topics within soil and aquatic sciences and I often combine field, lab and remote sensing approaches to answer my research questions.
Courses
BIOL 333 - Wetland Science and Management
The course includes an introduction to the hydrology, biogeochemistry and ecology of wetland ecosystems. Topics covered include classification, geomorphic setting, distribution, functions and ecosystem services of wetlands. Human use, alteration and management of wetlands are examined. An emphasis is placed on wetlands and wetland management in Western Canada, including boreal peatlands and prairie marshes. A full day field trip on a Saturday is required. Prerequisite: one of BIOL 208, REN R 250, or EAS 201. Credit may be obtained in only one of BIOL 333 and REN R 333. This course requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
REN R 250 - Water Resource Management
The course introduces basic hydrological principles, the global water cycle, global demand and supply of freshwater, history and current concepts in water resource management, water conflict, water law, and water economics. The course emphasizes Canadian and global water management issues of the 21st century, including water regulation, climate change, drinking water availability, water quality, eutrophication, and freshwater biodiversity. Prerequisite: *30.
REN R 333 - Wetland Sciences and Management
The course includes an introduction to the hydrology, biogeochemistry and ecology of wetland ecosystems. Topics covered include wetland classifications, geomorphic settings, distributions, functions and ecosystem services. Human use, alteration and management of wetlands are examined. An emphasis is placed on wetlands and wetland management in Western Canada, including boreal peatlands and prairie marshes. A full day field trip on a Saturday is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 208 or EAS 201. Not to be taken if credit received for BIOL 333. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
REN R 605 - Advanced Research Skills
Prepares PhD students to function in a research environment. Focuses on research management, best practices in scientific research, and ethics and philosophy of science. The grade is credit/no credit.