Using networks of eddy covariance towers to explore linkages between ecosystem
structure and function
Marcy Litvak
Assistant Professor, Biology Department, University of New Mexico
YESS Workshop October 22-24, 2007
3-D Eddy Covariance
Sensor
•Direct measurement of net ecosystem exchange of carbon, water and energy
•Advantages of using networks of these towers (Ameriflux, FLUXNET)
How does carbon cycling in boreal forests change following wildfire?
1989 1981
19641850
1930
5km
1850
1930
1964
1981
1989
1998
1951 1974 1991 200441.1% 43.3 % 54.8% 63.4%
Freeman Ranch Edwards Plateau in central Texas
Woody encroachment in karst terrain: implications for regional carbon, water and energy cycles
Day of Year
0 100 200 300
Cu
mu
lativ
e c
arb
on
ga
in (
g m
-2)
-100
0
100
200
300
400
GrasslandTransitionForest
2005
Positive = carbon sinkNegative = carbon source Day of Year
0 100 200 300
Cu
mu
lativ
e E
T (
mm
)
0
200
400
600
800
GrasslandForestTransition
2005Twine correction
ET = 13 mm
Grassland
Day of Year
140 180 220
NEE
(g
m-2
d-1
, C)
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
Forest
Day of Year
140 180 220
Day of Year
140 180 220
Transition
EPSCoR: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research – Hydrology
Goal: Leadership in instrumentation and algorithm development for regional hydrologic modeling and ET estimation in semiarid environments
Ground-BasedMeasurements(input and validation forModels)
Satellite Imagery(input for maps of ET, vegetation change)
Geospatial Integrated Modeling & Geographic Information SystemDatabases and Products
NM EPSCoRHydrology
NM EPSCoR Core Network
Rio Grande riparian corridor
Lower Rio Grande agriculture and open water
Arid upland (grassland, desert, juniper savanna, piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer)
PiPiññon mortality in on mortality in pipiññon-juniper on-juniper
woodland in NMwoodland in NM
Link to workshop
Eddy covariance towers give integrated measurement over large area
Need detail of how principal components of ecossytem function to interpret
Dispersed sensors across tower footprint crucial
Interested in learning about more efficient ways to link sensors in one tower footprint, across network, and synthesis efforts