Controls on sensible heat and latent energy fluxes from a short-hydroperiod Florida Everglades marsh

Little is known of energy balance in low latitude wetlands where there is a year-round growing season and a climate best defined by wet and dry seasons. The Florida Everglades is a highly managed and extensive subtropical wetland that exerts a substantial influence on the hydrology and climate of the south Florida region. However, the effects of seasonality and active water management on energy balance in the Everglades ecosystem are poorly understood. An eddy covariance and micrometeorological tower was established in a short-hydroperiod Everglades marsh to examine the dominant environmental controls on sensible heat (H) and latent energy (LE) fluxes, as well as the effects of seasonality on these parameters. Seasonality differentially affected H and LE fluxes in this marsh, such that H was principally dominant in the dry season and LE was strongly dominant in the wet season. The Bowen ratio was high for much of the dry season (1.5–2.4), but relatively low (H and LE fluxes across nearly all seasons and years (). However, the 2009 dry season LE data were not consistent with this relationship () because of low seasonal variation in LE following a prolonged end to the previous wet season. In addition to net radiation, H and LE fluxes were significantly related to soil volumetric water content (VWC), water depth, air temperature, and occasionally vapor pressure deficit. Given that VWC and water depth were determined in part by water management decisions, it is clear that human actions have the ability to influence the mode of energy dissipation from this ecosystem. Impending modifications to water management under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan may shift the dominant turbulent flux from this ecosystem further toward LE, and this change will likely affect local hydrology and climate.

The Beacon, July 9, 2008

Vol. 21, Issue 3, 8 pages

The therapeutic effects of Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III assessment feedback

A study was conducted to test the therapeutic effects of assessment feedback on rapport-building and self-enhancement variables (self-verification, self-discovery, self-esteem), as well as symptomatology. Assessment feedback was provided in the form of interpretive information based on the results of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory- III (MCMI-III). Participants (N = 89) were randomly assigned to three groups: a Feedback group, a Reflective-Counseling group, and a No-Feedback group. The Feedback group was provided with assessment feedback, the Reflective-Counseling group was asked to comment on the meaning of the taking the MCMI-III, the No- Feedback group received general information about the MCMI-III. Results revealed that assessment feedback, when provided in the form of interpretive interpretation positively affects rapport-building and self-enhancement variables (self-verification and self-discovery). No significant results were found in terms of self-esteem or symptom decrease as a function of feedback. However, a significant decrease in symptoms across groups was found. Results indicate that assessment feedback in the form of interpretive information can be used as a starting point in therapy. Implications of the findings are discussed with respect to theory and clinical practice.

Return to Ithaca

This flyer promotes the U.S. Premiere Screening of Return to Ithaca, a film by Laurent Cantet. The director and writer Cantet, co-writer Leonardo Padura, and actor Fernando Hechavarria attended the screening on November 13, 2015 at the Coral Gables Art Cinema.