Our group broadly uses data-driven and model-driven approaches to quantify the patterns of element flux and isotope behavior involved in the global carbon and biogeochemical cycles, especially under periods of climatic perturbations. Extensive data mining, data assimilation, large-scale spatial-temporal statistical analysis, and machine learning are frequently used in our research projects. We hope geo-statistics and machine learning could reveal the intrinsic patterns of nature’s processes that are sometimes extremely difficult to be captured by classical physical process models. With that being said, in areas where data is extremely limited or data-driven approaches are not suitable, numerical modeling (e.g., modeling the global carbon cycle) also serves as a critical tool in our research.
Recent News
2025-05-09 Dr. Shuang Zhang was invited to deliver a talk at the 2025 Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture Spring Symposium in May, titled “An AI-Integrated Dynamic River Network for Monitoring Downstream Carbon Flux from Enhanced Weathering.” He also participated as a panelist in the “AI Applications for MRV” session, sharing his perspectives on the challenges of measurement/monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) for enhanced weathering.
2025-04-03 Dr. Shuang Zhangcontributes to a new paper in Frontiers in Climate. This study highlights how aquatic photosynthesis alters the fate of carbon and alkalinity produced by Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), potentially reducing its carbon sequestration efficiency. Using stream-order data and biogeochemical modeling, the paper show that 1–30% of ERW-derived DIC can be taken up by aquatic vegetation, depending on river characteristics and biological pathways. These processes, intensified by ERW-induced water chemistry changes, complicate assumptions in current carbon crediting. Neumann, R. B., Kukla, T., Zhang, S., & Butman, D. E. (2025). Front. Clim., 7:1582786. https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2025.1582786
2025-03-29 Dr. Shuang Zhang was invited to deliver a talk at the ASLO 2025 Aquatic Sciences Meeting, titled “Carbon loss from rivers following terrestrial enhanced rock weathering.” This invited presentation is part of the Author Spotlight session: Recent High-Impact Publications from ASLO Journals. For more information, please visit here.