Harvard Forest On-Going Research Projects

Harvard Forest Research

Validation of Forest Algorithms in a Snow Process Model

Principal Investigator: Robert Hellstrom
Bridgewater State College: May 01 2009 - May 01 2010:

Abstract:
As a contributor to a international research project, the Snow Model Intercomparison Project part 2 (SNOWMip2), the senior investigator (SI) is continuing intensive field measurments to validate new algorithms developed for the UEBMOD model. The SI set up 10X10 meter ground plots with 9 regularly spaced 3/4 inch PVC snow stakes and battery powered automatic weather instruments at three sites including: one in the deciduous forest near the Little Prospect Hill Eddy Flux Tower, one near the Hemlock walk-up tower, and one in the open area behind Shaler Hall near the old Shaler Met. Station. In addition, the SI will make non-contact measurements of canopy LAI as canopy structure changes throughout a pre-snow to post-snow period. The SI will make bi-weekly visits to the sites to record observations during the snowpack season. In addition, the SI will incorporate small outdoor web-cameras to take daily snap-shots of the stake network to reduce the need for more frequent site visits; 120 V AC is required at all sites will to power microcomputers that interface with the web-cams.

NEW for Summer 2009 and 2009-2010 Winter season:

SU09 (May-Oct)
1) improving ventalation to the air temp./humidity sensor
2) comparison of solar insolation for the three sites
3) web cam pics of canopy foliage change
WI09(Oct-April)
1) automatic snow depth sensor will be tested at each site
2) comparing snowpack measurements to newly isntalled snow pillow (Emery Boose)
3) comparing snowpack measurements to CO2 and tace gas fluxes from soil

Measurements will help to validate and improve forest cover algorithms that simulate impacts on liquid and frozen water and energy balance variables in the UEBMOD model, ultimately estimating canopy interception and accumulation and losses on the ground. This sustained experiment is timely and results are significant for studies related to the woolly adelgid impact on eastern hemlock forests and basin hydrology.
**
UPDATED April 2009 (continuation): Running again for May 09 through April 10.:

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Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University
Questions and comments e-mail – hfweb@fas.harvard.edu



	Harvard Forest Research Validation of Forest Algorithms in a Snow Process Model Principal Investigator: Robert Hellstrom Bridgewater State College: May 01 2009 - May 01 2010: Abstract: As a contributor to a international research project, the Snow Model Intercomparison Project part 2 (SNOWMip2), the senior investigator (SI) is continuing intensive field measurments to validate new algorithms developed for the UEBMOD model. The SI set up 10X10 meter ground plots with 9 regularly spaced 3/4 inch PVC snow stakes and battery powered automatic weather instruments at three sites including: one in the deciduous forest near the Little Prospect Hill Eddy Flux Tower, one near the Hemlock walk-up tower, and one in the open area behind Shaler Hall near the old Shaler Met. Station. In addition, the SI will make non-contact measurements of canopy LAI as canopy structure changes throughout a pre-snow to post-snow period. The SI will make bi-weekly visits to the sites to record observations during the snowpack season. In addition, the SI will incorporate small outdoor web-cameras to take daily snap-shots of the stake network to reduce the need for more frequent site visits; 120 V AC is required at all sites will to power microcomputers that interface with the web-cams. NEW for Summer 2009 and 2009-2010 Winter season: SU09 (May-Oct) 1) improving ventalation to the air temp./humidity sensor 2) comparison of solar insolation for the three sites 3) web cam pics of canopy foliage change WI09(Oct-April) 1) automatic snow depth sensor will be tested at each site 2) comparing snowpack measurements to newly isntalled snow pillow (Emery Boose) 3) comparing snowpack measurements to CO2 and tace gas fluxes from soil Measurements will help to validate and improve forest cover algorithms that simulate impacts on liquid and frozen water and energy balance variables in the UEBMOD model, ultimately estimating canopy interception and accumulation and losses on the ground. This sustained experiment is timely and results are significant for studies related to the woolly adelgid impact on eastern hemlock forests and basin hydrology. ** UPDATED April 2009 (continuation): Running again for May 09 through April 10.:
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