University Event

'Understanding Climate Change, CO2 and Forests' Masterclass

University event offered by University of Birmingham

Event Summary:

Our masterclasses are designed to allow learners to experience what learning is like at a selective Russell Group university. Most masterclasses are two hours long and are normally held in the Autumn Term between 1.00–3.00pm on a Wednesday afternoon.

Full Event Details:

Date Wednesday 30 November 2016
Time 1.00–3.00pm
Subject area Biosciences
Year group Year 12/13

Climate change is elevating atmospheric CO2, the gas that plants use to make sugars in
photosynthesis. Since plants are potentially getting more resources this may seem a good thing, but we do not understand how UK forests will respond. The FACE (Free Air Carbon Enrichment) experiment that the University Institute of Forest Research (BiFoR) has set up will find the answers. A lecture will introduce the compact relationship between CO2 levels, water use and xylem transport and how the FACE is addressing these issues, including live online access to field data. In a hands-on lab session we will then explore stomatal function, xylem transport, transpiration and tree rings.