Because wetlands remain waterlogged year-round, plant matter in the soil is slow to decompose, making them globally important carbon sinks. However, the role of mountain wetlands in storing and releasing water and carbon is not well understood. Climate is changing more quickly in mountain regions which may be profoundly changing their ability to store carbon and water. Dr. Somers and her team aim to develop a new understanding of mountain wetlands to determine how best to manage or restore these important landscapes in the face of climate and land use change and to maximize their capacity to supply potable water and absorb atmospheric carbon.