Originally from Italy, I hold a BSc in Biology and MSc in Ecology (Laurea Magistrale; 2004) from the Universita’ degli Studi Roma Tre, Italy, and a Ph.D. in Physical Geography (2009) from the University of Bristol, UK.
My research examines how climate and land-use change affect the biogeochemical cycling of one of the most important carbon-rich terrestrial ecosystems on our planet: peatlands (the thick, water-logged soil layer made up of dead and decaying plant material). I am specifically interested in quantifying the loss of soil carbon (C) and nutrients in Arctic and Tropical latitudes. These areas hold most of the world’s soil organic C with serious implications for our climate if this soil decomposes. In the Arctic surging temperatures are thawing permafrost (frozen soil), releasing substantial amounts of C as CO2 or CH4 into the atmosphere with significant consequences for our climate. In the Tropics, peatland ecosystems have been deforested and drained mainly for agricultural purposes, also leading to significant amounts of CO2 being released. Despite their importance in the C cycle, much is still unknown about the dangerous consequences that disturbances such as climate change and land-use change have on C emissions from these ecosystems, especially in the Tropics. Based on these premises, my research can be summarized into two key themes related to the following overarching Research Questions (RQ):
1. How do climate change and other anthropogenic activities (such as land-use change and fire) impact C cycling and storage in carbon-rich ecosystems such as peatlands?
2. How can we improve current peatland management to minimize anthropogenic peatland degradation while maintaining livelihoods and promoting food security?
More info at https://maxlupascu.myfreesites.net
- Research Methods in Environmental Science GE5217
- Our Planet: an Earth System Science Perspective GE2103
My research program focuses on the carbon (C) cycling between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere. I am particularly interested in understanding how climate change and land-use affect the allocation, cycling, and residence time of C in soils and plants. In turn, my studies further the science of terrestrial ecosystem feedbacks to the climate system, i.e. by constraining future levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
To monitor and predict changes in the cycling of C in terrestrial ecosystems, I apply field observations from natural soil and experiments. I use a variety of biogeochemical tools, including the analysis of trace gases (CO2, CH4, N2O), their stable C isotopes and radiocarbon content (14C-AMS) and soil incubations.
My research activities spread over different kind of ecosystems from the Tropics to high latitudes.
Check my website for more info https://maxlupascu.myfreesites.net
Soil biogeochemistry
GHG fluxes
Tropical peat swamp
Land-use change
Permafrost
Climate Change
OTHERS