Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment

Characterized by vast amounts of carbon stored in permafrost and a rapidly evolving landscape, the Arctic is an important focal point for the study of climate change. These are sensitive systems, yet the mechanisms responsible for those sensitivities remain poorly understood and inadequately represented in Earth System Models. The NGEE Arctic project seeks to reduce uncertainty in climate prediction by better understanding critical land-atmosphere feedbacks in terrestrial ecosystems of Alaska.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Leaf Area

We just finished servicing, calibrating and packing the LI-COR LI-3100C Area Meter for use in Barrow. Since the leaves on Arctic plants are considerably smaller than the leaves we usually measure we had to switch out the camera lens and sample guides to configure the instrument for a higher (0.1mm²) resolution. Due to the remote location we have attempted to anticipate any maintenance issues and have included spare parts and a small tool kit. The instrument will be a key part of the Vegetation Dynamics work as many of the parameters and processes we seek to understand need to be related to leaf area, including many key model inputs.