Ecosystem ecologist from New Mexico Marcy Litvak in flux towers in Argentina

With the support of the Fulbright Specialist Program, Assistant Professor from the University of New Mexico, Marcy Litvak visited Argentina last July with a project aimed to update Argentinean agricultural and environmental researchers’ in “tower” (gas flux) approaches to assess ecosystem functioning and regional water and carbon cycles.
During her stay in Argentina, Professor Litvak visited Eddy Covariance flux towers located near the city of Buenos Aires and the city of San Luis. While in San Luis, Dr. Litvak participated in a workshop to discuss ongoing and prospective collaborative projects with leading researchers from the National University of San Luis, the National Research Council (Conicet) and the National Agricultural Agency (INTA). Professor Litvak also presented seminars and co-taught a 2-week intensive graduate course at the School of Agriculture of the University of Buenos Aires.
Professor Litvak’s visit served to improve the capabilities of Argentine research teams. The scholars and professionals that participated in her project are now better prepared to take full advantage of the new techniques and approaches to evaluate the exchange of carbon, water and energy between the land surface and the atmosphere.  Improving their understanding of ecosystems responses to local and global changes is crucial to make a better and sustainable use of these valuable natural resources.