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The Discovery FilesEverglades Ecologist!
Coastal wetlands around the U.S. are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasing levels of salt. The health of many freshwater ecosystems is being impacted by changes in freshwater supply, especially in the Florida Everglades. In this special National Black History Month edition of "The Discovery Files," we focus on Dr. Sparkle Malone, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Science, Florida International University. Dr. Malone is taking measurements to assess how changes in salt levels affect a plant's ability to use sunlight to make food, and how the response of specific species to increased salt impacts vegetation cover. Learn more on NSF's "The Discovery Files."
Credit: National Science Foundation/Florida International University
Everglades ecologist!
Hi! I'm Mo Barrow with The Discovery Files, from NSF -- the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Listen! The sound of the everglades -- mysterious, captivating also sounding an alarm! Coastal wetlands around the nation are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasing levels of salt. The health of many freshwater ecosystems is being impacted by changes in freshwater supply -- especially so in -- The Florida Everglades.
But fear not! Dr. Sparkle Malone, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Science, Florida International University and an enterprising African American research ecologist is on the scene!
With support in part from NSF, Dr. Malone is spearheading a project that takes measurements -- at the species and ecosystem level -- to assess how changes in salt levels affect a plant's ability to use sunlight to make food and how the response of specific species to increased salt -- impacts vegetation cover -- throughout the entire wetland ecosystem.
Freshwater species do not always adapt well to high salt levels. It creates an area where productivity and vegetation cover are low. Because of research by the likes of Dr. Malone, there's hope this exquisite soundscape will endure.
During National Black History Month, discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing equity in research at nsf.gov.
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