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The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is
dedicated to increasing knowledge of the biological and physical
processes that sustain life on earth. SERC's interdisciplinary
research applies long-term studies to examine the ecological
questions about landscapes of linked ecosystems, especially
those impacted by human activities. SERC scientists use an
experimental approach to discover mechanisms regulating the
structure and dynamics of the environment.
Located on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, SERC uses the geographic
features of the nation's largest estuary to investigate
interconnections of aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric
components of complex landscapes. These studies are then
compared on regional, continental and global scales. SERC
develops innovative approaches and instrumentation to measure
environmental change in four ecological levels: global change;
landscape ecology; ecology of coastal ecosystems; and population
and community ecology.
For improved stewardship of the biosphere, SERC's research
provides data, publications and expert consultation in support
of conservation, environmental policy and management of natural
resources. Connected to an international network of
collaborators, SERC trains future generations of scientists to
address ecological questions of the nation and globe. SERC's
education programs in ecology demonstrate to the public the
active process of research, and infuse scientific approaches for
environmental issues through experiencing nature.
Website: "http://www.serc.si.edu/"
[Summary provided by the SERC.]
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