Liang Wei
Liang is a PhD candidate working in the Idaho Stable Isotopes Laboratory. His dissertation involves extending a process-based forest growth model, 3-PG, to calculate carbon stable isotope ratios δ13C in tree rings. The new δ13C sub-model provides a convenient means of constraining parameter space and avoiding model artifacts. Also, the easy-to-measure δ13C became a new rule for playing modeling “games”. The enhanced model was then applied to a small watershed (27 km2). Cold air drainage prevailed in that watershed, where 16 weather stations were installed across elevation. Forest growth and tree ring δ13C were estimated for every pixel in a digital elevation map. Liang also used 3-PG to simulate the growth of ponderosa pine plantations in Northern California.
In addition to these modeling projects, Liang has tested the effects of fertilization and herbicides on ponderosa pine trees by testing C and O stable isotopes in tree rings. He has also tested the impact of fire, climate change, and thinning on forest growth and the stable isotopes in tree rings of old trees.
Outside of his academic interests, Liang enjoys photography, hiking in the great outdoors, and playing soccer and badminton.
