Mystery of the Mojave - understanding nitrogen loss from desert soil

The video explores the Mojave Desert's extreme heat and its impact on nitrogen gas emissions from the soil. Carrie McCalley's research reveals that nitrogen is released through a chemical reaction, not by microbes, as previously thought. This discovery has significant implications for desert ecosystems, as nitrogen is crucial for plant life. Understanding this process helps predict how deserts will respond to global warming, potentially affecting plant survival in harsh environments.

What is the highest temperature the soil in the Mojave Desert can reach?

• 150 degrees Fahrenheit

• 200 degrees Fahrenheit

• 120 degrees Fahrenheit

• 100 degrees Fahrenheit

What unusual observation did McCalley's team make regarding soil fluxes?

• Soil fluxes responded to passing clouds

• Soil fluxes were unaffected by temperature

• Soil fluxes decreased at night

• Soil fluxes increased with humidity

What did McCalley's team discover about the source of nitrogen gas emissions?

• They are primarily from plant roots

• They are caused by chemical reactions due to heat

• They are produced by microbes

• They are unaffected by temperature

Why is nitrogen important for desert plants?

• It repels insects

• It provides shade

• It acts as a fertilizer

• It helps retain water

How might global warming affect nitrogen availability in deserts?

• It will decrease nitrogen availability

• It will increase nitrogen availability

• It will make nitrogen toxic

• It will have no effect on nitrogen